Linda Eileen Mckelvey

Linda Eileen McKelvey, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 10, 2023, at the age of 79.

She was born on August 10, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Carl Wayne "Lucky" and Daisy Marie (Renfeldt) Laughlin.

During Linda's early years, she lived in the quaint town of Collins, Iowa. Later Linda moved to Marshalltown, Iowa and graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1962. On July 8, 1967, she entered a new chapter of her life by marrying Lawrence "Larry" McKelvey, a partnership that would blossom and endure for over 56 years.

While living in Marshalltown, Linda's warm and nurturing nature led her to own and operate an in-home daycare, where she touched the lives of countless children. In 1977 the family moved to Hampton, IA where Linda transitioned to the role as manager of the brand-new Git-N-Go Convenience store. In 1990, with all the kids graduated, her dedication and work ethic continued and Linda and Larry relocated to Des Moines where Linda continued to work for Git-N-Go until her retirement in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of diligence and service.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Linda cherished life's simple pleasures. In the earlier years in Marshalltown when the children were young, the family spent most every weekend camping where they enjoyed fishing, "hobo dinners", and late night colorful campfires, which created lifelong memories. She enjoyed reading and lost herself in the pages of countless books. She was an avid Hawkeye fan which was evident by their living room decor and if there was a Hawkeye game on tv, she didn't miss it. She embraced the digital age by staying connected with many friends and family on Facebook. She loved their Shi Tzu dog Molly and often dressed her up in playful clothes. Linda's family was characterized by its vibrant sense of humor and a shared love for playful sarcasm.

Linda's memory will forever be enshrined in the hearts of those who loved her. She leaves behind her loving husband Larry and their children: James (Jenny), Jayne (Kevin) Calmer, Tracy (Christina), and Jeff. Her grandchildren, Jordyn and Jason McKelvey, Adam Pfannes, Amanda Stukenholtz, Kody Calmer, and Dillon (Lindsey) McKelvey; great-grandchildren, Bentley and Tucker Pfannes, Lincoln and Cooper Stukenholtz, Kamie, and Liam Calmer, as well as Hunter, Dax, Rowan and Wilder; siblings, Barb (Terry) Ray and Scott (Donna) Laughlin, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son David, her parents Carl Wayne "Lucky" and Daisy Marie, and her brothers Jon, Fred, and Jimmy Laughlin.