Linda Kay Pierce, 68, of Mankato, KS, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, with her family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. Her devotion to her family and steadfast faith in the Lord, helped brace her through her struggles and ultimately gave her peace.
Born May 19, 1957, in Beloit, KS, to Leo and Angeline Eilert, Linda was one of five children. She grew up spirited, passionate and adventurous. Resilient in nature, her positivity was limitless.
A proud graduate of Mankato High School and Cloud County Community College, Linda married Bradley Ost and raised two kids, Ryan and Staci. Linda was known for her warmth, kindness, selflessness and signature smile. She dedicated decades to serving her community in local dentistry and later at Jewell County Hospital and Rural Health Clinic.
Linda adored her family, but her greatest joy was being “Grandma” — a title she wore like a crown. She shared a unique, unconditional bond with each of her grandchildren. She enjoyed tending her flowers, caring for others and any project that needed endless energy. In 2016, she married Matthew Pierce, and together they built a warm welcoming home always open to family and friends.
Linda is loved and remembered by her husband Matthew Pierce of Mankato, daughter Staci Whelchel (Chris) and grandchildren, Lauren, Kale, Eli and Karlee of Mankato; daughter -in-law Darcy Reinke, (Jed) and grandson Caden Ost of York, NE; Her sister, Sue Doerr (Robert) of Green Valley, AZ; brother Fred and family of Mankato; brother Duane (Mary Ann) and family of Powhattan, KS; In-Laws Jeff & Erlina Pierce of Mankato; Susan Pierce of Narka, KS; Henry & Kim Pierce of Narka, KS; Gilly Reiter of Jewell, KS; Clifford & Beverly Pierce of Yukon, OK; Andrea & Thomas Held of Hermann, MO; Beth & Mike Svoboda of Narka, KS; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A beautiful reunion surely awaited her in Heaven. Beaming that signature smile, she entered a perfectly tidy, vanilla-scented room, prepared by her parents; her son, Ryan; Brad, father of Staci and Ryan; her brother Kenneth (“Rubber”); her mother and father-in-law Cecil & Peggy Pierce; in-laws Charlene & Wayne Snyder, brother-in-law Roger Reiter, and many more, now reunited in eternal peace.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Melby Mortuary, 402 N. High Street, Mankato, KS. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, December 5th, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 S. Center, Mankato, KS, with Pastor Dennis Beckmann officiating. Interment will follow at West Lutheran Cemetery. A meal and fellowship will follow the service. All are welcome to share stories and celebrate Linda’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rock Hills Athletic Department or Solomon Valley Transportation, in honor of Linda’s legacy of care and compassion and can be left in care of Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, KS 66956. For online condolences please visit www.melbymortuary.com.