Linda Joyce Rhyne of Waldron, Arkansas, went to her Heavenly home on September 7, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, at the age of 85. Linda was born February 23, 1941, in Waldron, Arkansas, to Tommy Ballard and Lucy Eloise (Smallwood) Ballard. Her life was filled with faith, love for her family and a warmth that made friends out of strangers wherever she went.
Linda retired from the Arkansas State Livestock and Poultry Department, where she served as an inspector and grader for many years. While her work brought her into the lives of many people, it was her family, her church and the friendships she nurtured that brought her the greatest happiness.
A devoted member of the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene since 1965, Linda lived her faith through the love and care she showed others. She taught children’s Sunday school for many years, touching young hearts and sharing the love of Jesus with generations of children. She also participated in mission trips, giving her time and talents in service to others. One memorable trip took her to Ecuador, where she and the other ladies prepared meals while the men worked. Whether she was teaching, cooking, serving or simply offering a kind word, Linda touched many lives.
An excellent cook and a gracious hostess, Linda loved bringing people together. If you came to her house, she expected you to eat, and feeding the people she loved was one of the ways she cared for them. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends, but just as much as preparing a meal, she loved the visiting that came with it. Linda never met a stranger. She genuinely enjoyed people, and a chance to sit, talk and spend time together was always welcome.
Linda also found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved to window shop and could lose herself for hours looking around without ever purchasing a thing. She took pride in her appearance and was always put together, with not a hair out of place and her nails done. Those little things were part of the Linda her family knew and loved.
Linda and Danny shared wonderful adventures traveling across the United States with her dear sister, Tommie, and Tommie’s husband, Cecil. Together, they made memories that would last a lifetime. One especially unforgettable moment found them getting a group of fellow travelers to call the Hogs aboard a trolley in San Antonio-a memory that still brings a smile and captures Linda’s joy in connecting with people. Her family will also smile remembering how much she enjoyed volunteering Danny to help others with their projects.
Through every adventure and every season of life, Linda’s family was her happy place. Her beloved husband of 65 years, Danny, was at the center of the life she treasured. Being a wife, a mother and “MeMa” meant more to her than anything else. She prayed daily for each member of her family, carrying their names and needs in her heart. Her deepest hope was to see them all together in Heaven. Of all the places she traveled and all the things she enjoyed, her heart was always at home with Danny and their family.
Linda leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Danny Rhyne; her son, Steve Rhyne; and her daughter, Dana Chrisman, all of Waldron, Arkansas. MeMa will forever remain in the hearts of her cherished grandchildren: Rhiana Rhyne, Matthew Chrisman, Jace Chrisman, Eric Yandell, Derek Yandell, Dillon Yandell, Bradly Rhyne and Jodi Perry; and her great-grandchildren: Austin Yandell, Jace Yandell, Adelynn Yandell, Mayson Yandell, Benson Yandell, Jake Perry, Bryson Jones, Boyd Rhyne and Braden Rhyne. She is also survived by her dearly loved sister, Tommie Jean Parrish and her sons Tony and Brad, who held a very special place in her heart, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends she loved.
Linda was preceded in death by her son, Ronnie Rhyne; her daughter, Debbie Yandell; her parents, Tommy and Lucy Ballard; and her sister, Mary Lou Griffin.
Linda’s celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene with Bro. Jeremy Newlin and Bro. Wally Beckman officiating. Family and friends will gather in the church that meant so much to Linda to honor her life and the faith she so lovingly shared.
Interment will follow in the Birdsview Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas.
Linda’s pallbearers will be Matthew Chrisman, Jace Chrisman, Eric Yandell, Derek Yandell, Dillon Yandell and Bradly Rhyne.
Linda’s visitation will be Friday, September 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Linda will be deeply missed in the everyday moments-a visit that lasted longer than planned, a meal shared with family, a shopping trip with no bags to carry home and the familiar joy of having everyone together. Her love lives on in the family she cherished, the children she taught and the many people whose lives she touched. Those who knew her will remember a woman who loved her Lord, loved her people and gave so much of her heart to both.
