Linda Ann Denton

Linda Ann Denton passed away peacefully in Cabot, Arkansas, on October 14, 2024. She was born on June 7, 1940, in Abilene, Texas, to Norman and Mildred Winter, and spent her childhood in the small West Texas towns of Noodle, Stith, and Merkel. 

Linda’s lifelong love of reading began during those quiet countryside years, where she often said books opened the world to her. She attended Merkel High School, where she excelled in basketball and showcased her musical talents as a saxophonist in the jazz band. 

It was also in Merkel that a lifelong love story began with Manley Denton, who lived just across the street and would one day become her devoted husband. Linda went on to attend Baylor University, where she became a charter member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She later graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a degree in Education and remained a lifelong learner, always seeking new knowledge and encouraging those around her to do the same. After marrying Manley, Linda dedicated herself to raising their four children as they lived in Texas, Alabama, and Kansas. Once her children were grown, she embraced new challenges, passing the Series 6 exam and embarking on a fulfilling career at American Century Mutual Funds in Kansas City. She also worked in claims at Farmers Insurance in San Antonio, Texas. Linda’s determination to take on new endeavors later in life was a source of inspiration to many. 

In her free time, Linda was active and engaged in her community. She loved playing tennis, bridge, and dominoes. After she and Manley moved to Cabot, Arkansas, they quickly became part of the close-knit Algonquin Woods neighborhood and the Cabot Church of Christ. They were welcomed by wonderful neighbors and a strong church community, forming deep friendships and cherished memories—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when gatherings around Kathy’s tree provided much-needed connection. Linda particularly loved hosting game nights, playing cards, and testing her trivia skills with loved ones. Her kindness, curiosity, and zest for life left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and deep devotion to her family and friends. 

Linda is survived by her brother, Robert (Jeralyn) Winter, and her children, Manley (Jennifer) Denton, Laurie (Jeff) Lee, Norman (Sue) Denton, and Lisa Denton. She was a proud grandmother to Anna (Gabe) Cox, Levi (Madison) Denton, Marshall Denton, Jeffrey (Casey) Lee, Courtney Lee, Caroline (TJ) Burnett, Jack Lee, Parker Denton, Sam Denton, Luke Denton, and Jack Denton, and a great-grandmother to Gabrianna and Copeland Cox, Jeffrey Lee III, and Andrew Denton.

 Our beloved mother, sister, and grandmother will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing she is at peace in heaven with the love of her life, Manley. 

A funeral service to celebrate Linda’s life will be held at Cabot Church of Christ on Saturday, October 19th, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Linda’s memory may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.