Bethany, MO: Linda Lee Walker-Eisenbarger, 75, Bethany, Mo., passed away peacefully surrounded by her favorite people Saturday, March 23, 2024.
She was born on April 1, 1948, in Bethany, Mo., the daughter of Robert and Verna Walker, who preceded her in death.
Linda met and eventually married Garvin Eisenbarger on June 10, 1963. She was extremely proud to celebrate 60 years of marriage to Garvin this past year surrounded by family and friends.
Linda and Garvin had two children, Shana Burrows (Eisenbarger) and Robert Eisenbarger, whom she loved dearly. Linda rarely missed an event that her children had growing up. She was their biggest cheerleader.
Linda was a beautiful soul who loved her family fiercely. The only thing that eclipsed her love of her own children was the love for her grandchildren, Trevor Burrows, Jack and Grace Eisenbarger.
In 1990, Linda and Garvin started a new adventure following Garvin’s construction career and moved to Virginia, then Maryland and then spent many years in Pennsylvania, where Linda made several lifelong friends. In their travels they got to see a lot of National Parks and lots of beautiful country site. She loved traveling and seeing the sites in and around Pennsylvania.
In 2011, Garvin brought Linda back home to Bethany to enjoy their retirement years. However, retirement was not in the cards for Linda. In 2012, Shana opened the Hodgepodge on the square and that’s where you could find Linda on most days greeting customers and chatting up anyone who would wonder into the store. As usual, Linda caught up with old friends and made many new ones along the way. She was always quick with a smile and there was no question of where you stood with her. Linda was the salesperson, the accountant and just the all-around heartbeat of the Hodgepodge. Linda loved her hometown and loved riding in the holiday parade.
Linda’s favorite pass time was sending greeting cards to friends and family for all holidays and birthdays. She was the sole postcard writer at the Hodgepodge. She loved to write and had beautiful handwriting. We will all miss receiving the cards and daily phone calls.
Linda’s greatest accomplishment in life was her children and later her grandchildren. If you found yourself at the Hodgepodge you inevitably got to hear a story or two about Trevor, Jack and Grace’s accomplishments and accolades. She was so proud of her grandkids!
Linda also had a great love and passion for all animals and at times her family wondered if it was a deeper love than for humans.
Survivors: husband Garvin, Bethany; daughter Shana (Everett) Burrows, Bethany, son Robert (Colleen) Eisenbarger; three grandchildren, Trevor Burrows, Jack Eisenbarger and Grace Eisenbarger.
At Linda’s request, the family will a hold a Celebration of Life on April 7, 2024, 1p.m., at the Gathering Place, Bethany, Mo, and all friends and family are welcome to attended.
In lieu of flowers please direct donations to the Harrison County Cancer Transportation Fund, c/o Rhonda Deskins, 1107 Ranchwood Rd., Bethany, Mo. 64424.