KANSAS CITY, MO — Linda Ann Hoskins, a veteran member of the baking industry known for her mentorship and advocacy, passed away Jan. 17. She was 76 years old.

Serving as executive director of the American Pie Council since 2000, Hoskins played a pivotal role in uplifting and championing the pie segment of the baking industry. Alongside her late husband Rick Hoskins III, they helped turn the organization into a keystone event for pie makers of all skill levels. Her contributions included supporting the National Pie Championships, the Great American Pie Festival and the Pie Industry Seminar.

Additionally, she served as a judge on the Food Network and Travel Channel and authored two pie-centric cookbooks. Hoskins was also shortlisted for Baking Management magazine’s “Influential 20” list in 2009 and 2011.

She is survived by her children, Lysa Hynes and Rick Hoskins IV, who serves as CEO of Colborne Foodbotics; her daughter-in-law, Nicole; and three grandchildren.

All services will be private. The Hoskins family requests that donations be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in her memory.