Linda (nee Underwood) Shasteen, of Collinsville, IL, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon, IL, after a courageous battle with heart complications.

She was born on August 11, 1949 in Paducah, KY to the late Charles and Anita (nee Leigh) Underwood.

Linda's life was marked by love, faith and joy. Having been widowed, she longed to find that special person to share her life with once more. In a beautiful twist of fate, she met Larry Shasteen through Facebook. Their connection began with a blind lunch date – one that almost didn't happen due to an address mix-up. But once they finally met, a spark ignited that grew into a deep and abiding love.

Linda and Larry discovered they shared many passions: a love of art, music, traveling, and a long list of adventures they dreamed of pursuing together. They also shared a devotion to the Collinsville community, where they soon chose to make their home. After a short courtship, Linda joyfully accepted Larry's proposal, and the two were married on November 3, 2024 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville. Although only married for 10 months, it was 10 months of sharing their love for each other.

Faith was central to Linda's life. She cherished her church family at Good Shepherd, where she became a baptized member and found great meaning in attending services and sharing Holy Communion alongside her husband.

Together, Linda and Larry embraced life fully. They enjoyed cruises to the Bahamas, Aruba, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, and most memorably, Alaska, where they immediately booked two more trips for the future. Linda especially loved tending to her home, decorating with flowers and plants, and creating a warm, welcoming space filled with beauty. She was also an accomplished quilter and artist. Her many creations are shared everywhere and were prominent in her home.

Linda and Larry also found purpose in service, joining the Collinsville Lions Club, where they both became officers. Their commitment to helping others took them to Louisville, Kentucky, for the USA/Canada Lions Forum, and to Orlando, FL for the International Convention.

It was during this time that Linda's health struggles began. Despite the efforts of her medical team and her own determination, her condition worsened. Surrounded by love and strengthened by faith, Linda peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord.

Linda will be remembered as a woman of grace, faith, and kindness. She loved deeply – her church, her community, and most of all, her husband, Larry. Together, they dreamed of a long life filled with love and service, and though their time together was far too brief, it was filled with joy and devotion.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and doctors at HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital for their exceptional care.

Linda's memory will be forever cherished by Larry, her family, her friends, her church family, and all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Shasteen; and three siblings: Kathy (Roy) Evans of Carlyle, IL, Kris (Karen) Underwood of Carlyle, IL and Larry (Debbie) Underwood of Troy, IL.

Memorial visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025 followed by a service at 11 a.m. officiated by Rev. Andrew Packer at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Collinsville, IL. A luncheon will immediately follow at the church.

Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at St. Clair Memorial Park Cemetery in Fairview Heights, IL.

Memorials are suggested to the Collinsville Lions Club and the American Heart Association. They will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.