Linda Mae Kreider

October 2, 2023, Linda Mae (Deal) Kreider of Sherwood and Lockesburg Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home with family at her side. Early that morning, as the sun was breaking a new day she gained her wings and joined the creator in heaven.
Linda, the youngest child of 4 was born on 23 November 1943, to Jesse Ruben and Edna (Fuller) Deal in Ashdown, Arkansas. She had roots for all of her life in the Falls Chapel / Lockesburg area. Despite her travels across the deep south and 18 years in Hot Springs as a Caretaker for the Air National Guard she always referred to this area as home. Although never in the military she cared for all the military members that used the lake site like they were comrades in arms. Lastly when she retired from the lake site, she moved to Sherwood close to family and friends. After her last diagnosis in her battle, she chose to return home to Lockesburg for her final few months.
Linda was always breaking gender roles and although, she never had a full career at any one thing, she was never without full employment. She left school early and she grew up working in the fields, tending to livestock, spend time as a carpenter, in security, running convenience stores, driving a rock truck, cleaning houses and refurbishing items for a resale. Along the way she certified as a CNA, licensed to sell insurance, and supported her family by selling Mary Kay. In the latter she was so successful, she was allowed to use the pink Cadillac as a reward for her sales prowess. Linda was curious, inquisitiveness and carried a keen intellect despite her short time in school this drove all her pursuits. Whatever she did she was all in and persevered through hard work, passing that to us kids.
An avid lover of fishing and occasionally hunting, Linda loved to spend time outdoors. She never found a fish she couldn't catch or a squirrel that would not eat. She was always active and she was still mowing her lawn at 78. She never saw a yard sale she didn't want to stop at, finding new friends at each stop. Maybe the only other things she liked better, then making new friends (she could talk to anyone), was cooking for her family, and spending time with her grand kids. She mostly believed we did not whip them enough, but she loved them anyway. She never said no when someone asked for help. She was always the first one there when you opened the door. She was the glue for family gatherings just as she should have been, and she loved that role. She loved to laugh and carried her sense of humor into her final days.
Linda had many loves in her life, but none she held so dearly has her late husband, Harold. They had plans to pack it all in a RV and travel the US. That plan was interrupted with her stroke and then after that Harold passing away himself, consequently, that dream was not fully realized. She settled on cruises for a while as a consolation, going on several with her friends so she did get to see some parts of the world. She aways found a way for happiness and a silver lining in what life tossed at her.
Her furry companions were dear to her. She had many over her lifetime, many strays, giveaways, damaged companions, and she loved them all. Animals are the best judge of character, and they all took to her in a moment. She is enjoying them all now across that rainbow bridge.
Linda was predeceased by her Mother-_Edna Fuller, Father- Jesse Ruben Deal,
Husband- Harold Johnson, Sister- Edna Lavern Dellinger, Brother- Jesse Walter Deal,
Brother- Kenneth Ray Deal, Niece-Deann Dellinger.
She is survived by her son Richard Hanney, daughter in law Melissa Hanney, son Gerald Robinson, Daughter in law Carolina Robinson, son Frankie Hanney and her baby Girl, Felisha Gayle Gathright. She held a special place in her heart for her nieces Ruth Brewer and Lynn Anderson who offer her much support, care and compassion in her years, especially in her later years. Lastly she is survived by her niece Carol Dellinger.
She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great grand daughter. They include, granddaughters; Olivia Knox, Brandi Turner, Shannah Gathright, Sofia Molina, Josephine Robinson and Grandsons; Blake Hanney, Ruben Gathright, Austin Robinson, Cole Hanney. Great grandchildren; Timothy Austin, Tyler Austin, Ryan Crabtree, Mayson Knox, Jayce Berry, Landon Hanney, Paxton Gathright, Rett, Grace, Blaine, Shawnix. Great -great grandchildren Blakelyn Austin
Cremation arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home in De Queen.
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