Linda J. Hernly

Linda J. Hernly, 76, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Community Hospital in Anderson.
Linda was born May 17, 1945 in Crawfordsville, IN, the daughter of Robert H. and Mabel (Zook) Layne. The family moved to Muncie when Linda was 12 years old. She attended Burris Laboratory School before graduating from Muncie Central High School in 1963. She attended Ball State University and was a member of Chi Omega Sorority.
Linda was a licensed cosmetologist before becoming a mother and a homemaker, and was later involved in sales and insurance. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed participating in a book club with her close friends. She was also a talented and accomplished creative writer.
Anyone who had the opportunity to know Linda knew she had a brilliant mind, a hilarious sense of humor, and an infectious laugh. She made many friends over the course of her life – all of whom benefited from her gift of conversation and her incredibly caring heart. She had a comically direct way of telling it like it is, and was able to find the humor in everything. Those who knew her well will always remember that laugh of hers.
Most importantly, she was a loving and devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She could be funny and tough, but she had a tender and kind way about her when it came to those she loved. If Linda loved you, you knew it.
She is survived by three children, Bart (Tina) Keesling, Amy Keesling, and Ryan (Heidie) Hernly; two step-sons, Troy (Tammy) Hernly and Todd (Wendy) Hernly; four grandchildren, Alyssa Keesling, Kendra Keesling, Nash Keesling, and Harlie Holding; a sister-in-law, Jane Hodson (Steve Gasparino); and nieces and nephews, Brian Layne, Michael (Elizabeth) Layne, Tracy (Ian) Willoughby, Kim Layne, and Shannon Layne.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Terry Hernly; and her brother, R.D. Layne.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Family and friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel, from 12:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.
Memorial contributions may be made to Little Red Door Cancer Agency, 2311 W. Jackson Street, Muncie, IN 47303.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.