Linda Lea Haynes

Linda Lea Haynes, née Loughridge, of Wasilla, Alaska was called home to God on March 24, 2025, after a well-fought battle against breast cancer. Linda was born on September 7, 1957, in Weirton, WV to Carl and Virginia, née Bolyard, Loughridge. She grew up in Follansbee, WV, and was baptized at Follansbee United Methodist Church in 1969. Sadly, Linda lost her mother in 1970 when she was just 12 years old. Linda graduated from Brooke High School in 1975 with honors and earned her B.S. in Medical Technology from West Liberty State College in 1979.
Linda's sense of adventure moved her to Savannah, GA, where she was married in 1987. Her first child, Alyssa, was born in Savannah in 1988. Her husband was in the Army, and in 1989, the young family arrived in Anchorage, AK, where three children would be added to the family: Brittany in 1990 and the twins, Jaimie and Zachary in 1992. In 1994, the family moved to Wasilla, where they joined Christ 1st UMC and eventually operated a successful river guide business. The family could often be found fishing on the Little Susitna, "Big" Susitna, or Russian rivers.
Above all things, Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Linda gave her children a blessed and happy childhood in Alaska. She participated in her children's activities with Girl Scout and Boy Scout meetings and camps, Vacation Bible Schools, and attended many hockey, volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading events. She was seen as a "second mom" to many of the neighborhood kids and was adored by her children's friends.
Linda touched the lives of many through her volunteer spirit and faith in Christ. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and Wasilla service unit manager, and she coordinated Women of Science events for the Susitna Council. She helped many families through Family Promise Mat-Su and served on the Valley Charities Board of Directors for many years.
Linda's faith was deep and an integral part of who she was. She served the Christ 1st UMC congregation for decades because it was a second family and home. She served as a certified Lay Speaker. She was a president and missionary study workshop leader for UMW. She was a Lay member of the Annual Conference, Reserve Delegate to the UMC General Conference, and was the UMC of AK statistician. Linda was certified in Spiritual Formation. At the time of her passing, she was the lay pastor of the Harmony Methodist Church in Wasilla. Linda loves the Lord and is confident of her salvation.
She is survived by her children, Alyssa of Oklahoma City, OK, Brittany of Anchorage, AK, Jaimie and Zachary of Wasilla, AK; her grandchildren, Brayden, Kynlea, Killian, Harper, and Britton; her parents, Carl & Joyce Loughridge of Follansbee WV; siblings Penny Frohnapfel of Follansbee WV, Carla Teets of Columbus OH, Craig Loughridge of Huntington WV, Lisa Sale of Edmonton, Alberta CA, and Jeff Jackson of Washington PA.
The family would like to extend profound gratitude to the Maple Springs of Wasilla staff for their dedicated care of Linda in the last year of her life. Throughout her illness, Linda maintained a sense of humor and a positive attitude and was a joy to be around. She shared her faith and love with those around her, improving our lives and giving us many wonderful memories. Linda will be profoundly missed.
A celebration of life will be held at Christ First United Methodist Church on April 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm, followed by a potluck reception to share stories and memories. All who wish to attend are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Family Promise Mat-Su or Valley Charities, Inc.