Linda Kay Shields

Linda K. Shields, 74, of Daleville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025. A beautiful soul with a curious mind and a generous heart, Linda lived a life full of love, adventure, and purpose.

Born on February 19, 1951, to the late Gladys (Woody) Kuhn and Robert Terry, Linda was passionate about history, nature, and the quiet beauty of rural life. She found joy in simple pleasures—going for drives to seek out obscure and historical facts or monuments, stargazing by a campfire, and watching birds flutter among the flowers in her yard. Her home was a reflection of her whimsical spirit, with giant pterodactyl nests, gnome houses tucked beneath trees, and flower gardens full of color and charm.

Linda was a dedicated volunteer who especially loved working on archaeological digs at Strawtown and Mounds State Park, where she eagerly learned about ancient civilizations and helped unearth their stories. Her love of learning and discovery was matched only by her creativity—she was an incredibly talented seamstress who could make or mend just about anything, from clothing and curtains to her beloved novelty “rice babies.” If you knew Linda, chances are she had sewn something for you.

For many years, Linda worked as a bus driver for the Daleville School System. She cared deeply for “her kids” and delighted in seeing them grow into young adults. Her kind and nurturing presence left a lasting impact on generations of students.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, J. Darby Baldwin; and severalsiblings. She is survived by her devoted husband of what would have been 50 years, Charles Shields; her daughter, Tori (Duane) Givens; her cherished grandson, Wyatt (Cheyenne) Baldwin;her sister, Vallie Blevins; her sister-in-law, Diana Terry, special niece, Cindy Ballard; and many extended family members and cherished friends who will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13th at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Daleville, Indiana, with services immediately following and a procession to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Please join us as we celebrate Linda’s life and the many ways she made the world a little more interesting, a little more beautiful, and a lot more loving. Please stop by the house afterwards to honor her.

Pinch-pinch, IYKYK