Linda (Shorter) Keasling, 77, of Arkansas City, Kansas, passed away Sunday morning, September 13, 2015 at Kansas Medical Center in Andover, Kansas.

Linda was born April 5, 1938 to Harold and Nellie (Hanna) Shorter in Winfield, Kansas. She was raised and received her early education in Dexter and graduated from Winfield High School in 1955.

She was united in marriage to Marvin Keasling on August 2, 1954. She worked at the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center in Nursing Education and Staff Development for 31 years. She later worked at Cowley County Community College in Industrial Technology, retiring in 2003. She also had a cow/calf operation with her brother, Junior Shorter on 650 acres. In 2001, she and Marvin moved north of Arkansas City and went back to Linda's farming roots, raising Royal Palm Turkeys and chickens, and gardening.

She and Marvin served as co-presidents for the North Central District Federation Association of Square Dancing. She was a girl scout leader for many years and a member of Kickapoo Camping Club. She was also a member of the Kansas Oklahoma Steam and Gas Engine Association, organizing many trips and events for them through the years. Linda loved visiting Joyce Garcia at her cabin in Colorado during Summer months. She also loved teaching children about the past by, churning butter at the K&O Kids Day and taking turkeys to Roosevelt School around Thanksgiving. She recently set up and organized a Military Display at the last K&O Steam and Gas Engine Association show.

She is survived by:
Her husband of 61 years, Marvin Keasling of Arkansas City;
Her son: David Keasling of Douglass;
Her daughter: Gail Burkett and husband, Dennis of Arkansas City;
Her grandchildren: Jennifer Hill and husband, Derek of Arkansas City; Jeff Burkett of Ponca City, OK; Tristan Trester and husband, Chad of Dexter;
Her great grandchildren: Bryson Trester, Owen and Bailey Jackson, and Wren Hill;
Her sisters-in-law: Linda Lovette of Arkansas City; Janet Hawkins and husband, Henry of Winfield; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Wesley and Juanita Keasling, her brother, Junior Shorter, her sister-in-law, Kathy (Keasling) Milton and husband Amos.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery northwest of Winfield. A reception will follow the service at the K&O Club Grounds. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 5 to 7 that evening.

A memorial has been established in Linda's name for the K&O Steam and Gas Engine Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.