Obituary

With deep sorrow, we announce that Linda Marie Gauldin, 65, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away on December 27, 2025.

Born on April 14, 1960 to Jerry and Evelyn Selover in Des Moines, Iowa. Linda built a life defined by service to others. She was always helping. Whether it was her own family, extended family or new friends (she didn’t know any strangers) she was always there to lend an ear or a hand. She made sure everyone around her had everything they needed before thinking of herself. This is exemplified by the long list of lifelong friends and the fact you couldn’t go anywhere without her knowing someone. Literally anywhere. You had to plan an extra 15 minutes just to go the grocery store because you know someone was going to stop and talk with her.

During her youth Linda was a Campfire Girl and Indian Princess. She developed her love of Campfire and the great outdoors by camping with her family and watching her father Jerry and brother Doug participate in Scouting. Not to be outdone she eventually earned Campfires Highest Honor, the Wohelo Award. It was truly a family affair as Evelyn was her Campfire leader.

Also during her youth she developed a passion for creating that lasted through her entire lifetime. She was an arts and crafts master. Give her a ball of string, a pinecone and some paperclips and she could make you anything. Which may explain why one of her favorite TV shows was MacGyver. It also could have been her celebrity crush on Richard Dean Anderson, but it was probably more about her desire to make things beautiful.

After graduating from East High School in 1978 Linda studied at the Iowa School of Beauty and earned her degree in Cosmetology. Linda was just as creative in her profession as she was an artist in her youth. Cosmetology was the perfect profession for her. She got to blend her creative spirit with her love of people and connection. Linda spent almost 50 years as a cosmetologist with 38 of those years at the Hair Forum where she worked until her retirement. Linda had clients who stayed with her for decades. All of her clients became friends through the years.

Linda was a devoted sports mom and grandma. She spent much of her time traveling to various sporting events for her children with her husband Steve. She never missed a game and always sat front row cheering louder than anyone in the place. She loved baseball and softball, and nothing made her happier than seeing her kids and grandkids succeed in their endeavors.

Linda is survived by her husband of 42 years Steve Gauldin, son Ryan Gauldin and Daughter Darcy (Ryan) Luna, her grandchildren Cein Luna, Atlas Gauldin and the granddaughter she always wanted Kynley Luna. She is also survived by her mother Evelyn Selover, brother Doug Selover, sister Erlene Bennett as well as countless nieces and nephews who each played a big part in her happiness.

She was preceded in death by her father Jerry Selover and father-in-law John Gauldin.

Friends may gather for visitation on Sunday January 4, 2025 at Iles Grandview Funeral Home from 5-7pm. You are encouraged to bring your memories to share with family and friends. Linda always loved a good story.

Funeral Service is scheduled for 10:30am Monday January 5th at Iles Grandview Funeral Home with a burial following the service at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Memorials and donations may be directed to Grand View Christian School in Linda’s name or shared with the family at: https://grandviewchristianschool.org/give/

Donations may also be made by mail to:
Grand View Christian School
CO: Development
1701 East 33rd Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50317

Linda's service will be livestreamed on the Iles websiste. Go to www.ilescares.com just before 10:30 am Monday and scroll to the bottom of her obituary for the link to join the service.

Online condolences are welcome at www.ilescares.com

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.

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