It is with great sadness that the family of Linda Kay Schlenker (Hopkins) announce her passing on March 24, 2024, after a brief illness at the age of 76.

The oldest of three, Kay, as she was known to all, was born September 19, 1947 to Joseph and Mary Hopkins in Des Moines, where she spent most of her life.  In 1965, she met and in 1966 married Arlon Schlenker.  Together, they raised two daughters, Teressa and Kimberley.

Kay spent the majority of her life as a homemaker, taking care of her daughters who were avid roller skaters, when they were young teens.  She took a job in the office at Skate East to be closer to them, or to keep an eye on them, she never said which.  She loved that job and soon she became "mom" to many other kids.  She wouldn't have had it any other way.

As Kay got older, she enjoyed gardening with her husband, baking, listening to books, the Kansas City Chiefs and her cats.  The most important thing to her however, was her family.  She doted on her grand and great-grandchildren and was always so happy when they would visit. Nana always had hugs, kisses and plenty of snacks.

Kay is survived by her husband, Arlon, of 58 years; her daughter, Kimberley (Eric) Baker; grandchildren Anthony (Alison) Perdue, Scarlett (Trenton) Merrifield, Zachary Paletta, Zoey Paletta, Avery Baker; 4 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Dallas and Jonelle Schlenker; 4 nephews; 1 great nephew; 3 great nieces; and her very dear friends, Dudley and Pee Wee (Diane) Mori.   She is proceeded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary; two brothers, Randy and Jimmy Joe; and daughter, Teressa.

A committal ceremony for Kay will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, March 28 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.