Linda Lee Barkhurst, age 83, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 31, 2026. She was born on November 4, 1942 in Marietta, Ohio to her mother Marie Knox and adoptive father Charles Knox. She attended and graduated from Malta-McConnelsville Local High School, where she enjoyed playing trumpet in the band. She met her husband and love of her life, Gene Allen Barkhurst, in the Blue Bell Diner in McConnelsville and they began their 58 years of marriage on June 14, 1959. She spent her life creating a beautiful home for her husband, daughter, and granddaughter. She loved maintaining her gardens, especially her lilacs and roses, and feeding the birds and hummingbirds. Outside the home, Linda was also a member of the Wagram United Methodist Church where she volunteered and taught Vacation Bible School alongside her friends for many years. The simple joys of going shopping and out to eat at local restaurants with her family were her favorite of all.

Linda is preceded in death by her husband, Gene Allen Barkhurst, mother Marie Clara Knox, and father Charles E. Knox. She is survived by her daughter, Tracie Lynn Barkhurst, and granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Shelton (fiancé Robert Putman), as well as loving members of her husband's family, dedicated staff at Fresenius Kidney Care and Kensington Place, Ashley's childhood friends she considered her own grandchildren, and countless friends near and far who all held a special place in her heart.

Visitation will be held at Pfeifer-Woodyard Funeral Home, 7915 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068, on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 5:00-7:00pm.

Funeral services will also be held at Pfeifer-Woodyard Funeral Home on Friday, September 4, 2026 with visitation from 10:00-11:00am and services beginning at 11:00am. Burial will take place in the Glen Rest Memorial Estate.

"Miss Linda," as her nurses and caregivers affectionately called her, was widely known for her sweetness and generosity. While flowers are appreciated, instead, please consider donating to your local animal shelter or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Linda's memory.

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.