Linda Kay Pogue, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Missouri at the age of 80.
She was born on July 8, 1944, in Clinton, Missouri, the daughter of Emery and Reva Stewart. She was a proud graduate of Clinton High School, Class of 1961, and later pursued her studies at Drury University. A lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Linda’s faith and community were central to her life.
Family and friends meant everything to Linda. She married her high school sweetheart, Gene Pogue, on April 7, 1963, and together they shared a very nice life together that spanned more than 61 years until his passing. Linda’s love for her family was fierce, unwavering, and full of warmth and strength. She cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren, and great grandson.
Linda was a remarkable woman whose life was filled with passion, love, and an unwavering commitment to those dear to her. She cared deeply about her family, friends, church, and politics, and her warm, generous spirit touched everyone she met. She cherished her visits with her sister Judy where they could share all the latest about their kids and grandkids or fix all the world’s problems together over the phone.
Linda found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved tending to her garden—especially growing tomatoes, which she so generously shared with friends, family, and neighbors. Her love for nature was matched only by her enthusiasm for a good book, with John Grisham novels holding a special place in her heart. Traveling and shopping with her cherished sorority sisters from the Beta Sigma Phi Xi Epsilon Epsilon chapter were among her favorite pastimes, where laughter and camaraderie always abounded.
In her day-to-day life, Linda delighted in tasks that many might overlook. Whether she was ironing with joy or baking her famous cheesecakes, she brought a sense of art and tradition to every endeavor. Even her choice of television—enjoying the new Matlock series, all the NCIS shows, The View, and the Late Show with Stephen Colbert when she managed to stay awake—reflected her political views and sense of humor.
Linda was also known for her honest likes and dislikes. She steered clear of clutter, dreaded doing laundry, and humorously bemoaned chairs that were too tall (a quirk her friends lovingly teased her about). Her heart was fiercely opposed to bigotry, racism, and cruelty. While she wasn’t a fan of oatmeal, gravy, or green beans, she unabashedly enjoyed a few indulgences—coffee, salmon, ice cream, M&M’s, Cherry Mash, blueberry bagels, and the occasional Bloody Mary—adding a playful defiance to what her body would allow.
A proud member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Linda treasured the bonds formed with her sorority sisters. Whether performing as part of the Von Kook’s or spending unforgettable times with her Starlight Girls for over twenty years, she created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
After a fulfilling career at Pathways Community Health, where she built lasting friendships, Linda embraced retirement with the same spirited determination she carried throughout her life. Despite facing physical challenges, including a weak heart, her capacity to love, give, and inspire never wavered. Though she was small in stature, those who knew her knew she could “get tall” when needed—her opinionated, headstrong, and wonderfully stubborn nature helping her face life’s obstacles with grace, humor and determination.
Linda’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and authenticity. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, sorority sisters, and all whose lives she brightened with her kindness and strength. Her memory will forever be cherished, and her spirit will continue to inspire us every day.
Survivors include her sister Judy (husband Vernon), her son, Todd Pogue (wife Janette) and grandchildren Andy Pogue and Alaina Lankford (husband Jack), her daughter, Terri Robinson (husband Rann) and grandchildren Haley Staggs (husband Jordan) with great-grandson Kolsen, as well as grandchildren Hannah, Zack, and Kara, and countless dear friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly.
Linda is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Gene Pogue, her parents, Reva and Emery Stewart, and her sister, Sue Cochran.
A Celebration of Life was held February 15, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton with MaryAnn Townsend officiating. Special music included “Amazing Grace and My Shepherd Will Supply My Need.”
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
