Linda Kay Leary

Linda Kay Leary was born on August 24, 1949, to Charlie and Gladys Killian; she was the sixth of seven children and the second and youngest daughter. She and her sister Charlotte were not only sisters but best friends, despite being a few years apart in age. They were together a lot, and people often mistook them for each other when they were apart.

Linda married her soul mate, Rick Leary, on February 22, 1981. Since her mother-in-law owned the flower shop, if they wanted to get married in February it had to be before or after Valentine’s Day, so they chose after. They lived an adventurous life in their 45 years together, raising four sons, Steven, Brian, David, and Matthew, who kept them busy with sports and band. Rick and Linda enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, and especially enjoying their grandchildren Aiden, Dylan, Shelby, Blake, and Ireland.

Linda was an active member of the community, and her love for the Lord was evident in her longtime membership at Calvary Baptist Church in Arvin, California. She also served as a member of the Arvin High School Alumni Association for 25 years, with the Arvin Historical Society for 15 years, and on the Kern County Cemetery Board for 13 years.

In addition to supporting her family, church and community, Linda still made plenty of time for one of her loves, Beta Sigma Phi, a non-collegiate women’s sorority. Linda was a member of Beta Sigma Phi since April 1977 and enjoyed the friendships she made throughout her years. Linda was honored to be in a chapter with her sister, Charlotte, and her sisters-in-law, Peggy and Marlene, as well as serving on the Central California Council Board with her nieces, Barbara and Ginger.

Not only was Linda an active member in the community, but she was also a dedicated employee throughout her career. She worked as a bookkeeper for Kophammer Farms for 21 years before transitioning to a company closer to home, Green Valley Packers/Kern Ridge Growers, where she retired after working diligently for over 30 years.

Linda is survived by her husband, Rick; her sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Megan, Brian and Julie, David and Shannon, and Matthew and Heather; her grandchildren, Aiden, Dylan, Shelby, Blake, and Ireland; her sister Charlotte and brother-in-law, Bill; her sisters-in-law Peggy and Marlene; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Linda went home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2026, surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Gladys, and her brothers, Delmar, David, Wesley, Larry, and Michael.

Linda was loved by many and will be missed greatly. It is not goodbye; it is see you later!