Linda Jean Hottel

Linda Jean Hottel,84, of Odessa, Missouri, a cherished soul whose warmth touched countless lives, passed away on April 26, 2026, in Odessa, Missouri.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Ralph O Jones Funeral Home 306 S. Second Street Odessa, Mo 64076. Inurnment will be at a later date at Shore Cemetery in Oak Grove, Missouri. Memories and condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.

Born on June 13, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Richard and Norma (Hershey) Meier. Linda’s life was a testament to kindness, generosity, and an unwavering love for her family and community.

A proud graduate of Oak Grove High School in the class of 1959, Linda dedicated much of her life as the beloved cafeteria lady for the Odessa R7 School District. Her role went far beyond serving meals; she nourished the hearts of children and families around her with a grace and compassion that defined her. Linda’s kindness was boundless—she consistently gave clothes to the nurse for children in need, quietly provided lunch money to kids who needed it, and gifted gloves through Kris’s charity to keep others warm. Her presence was a constant source of comfort and joy.

Linda was more than just a caretaker; she was a steadfast pillar in her community. She took great pride in her work with the cancer coalitions, the Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, Branum Rexall Drugstore in Oak Grove, and her steadfast involvement in childcare efforts that helped so many families. Always at the heart of community events, her love for decorating with flowers brought beauty and life to every gathering she touched.

Family was the center of Linda’s world. She treasured spending time with her loved ones, especially during the holidays, when her loving nature truly shined. A woman with a heart of gold, Linda was welcoming and giving, always ready to extend a helping hand with a smile. Her joy also came through shopping at the clothes closet for the community and her grandchildren, ensuring their needs were met with care and thoughtfulness.

She was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Norma (Hershey) Meier, Sister Gail Cooper, Great Granddaughter Macie Hawkins, Niece Kristine Cooper, Brother-in-laws Jeff Zickler, Danny Hottel and Joe Hottel.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years Wilbur Hottel of the home, daughters Kathy (Steve) Nance of Odessa, Missouri, Susan (Greg) Reid of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, son Gary Hottel of Grain Valley, grandchildren Amy (Jerry) Hawkins, Mindy (Andrew) Webster, Karley Nance, Jeff Reid, Jeremy Reid, Taylor Reid, Jonathon (Lindsey) Hottel, Ashley (Trevor) Theismann, Blake (Mikaela) Hottel, 18 great- grandchildren, sister-in-law Janice Zickler, JoAnn Hottel, Brother-in-law Gary Cooper, JW (Marlene) Hottel, Bill (Lana) Hottel. She will be fondly remembered by many other nieces, nephews and friends.