Linda Jean Kirtley

Linda Jean Johnson Kirtley, of Hot Springs, age 78, passed away April 13, 2018 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. She was born January 22, 1940, in Lincoln County Arkansas. Linda was the only child of the late Jean McGregor Johnson and Thomas Lee Johnson. Linda received her early education in Pine Bluff and attended Pine Bluff High School. She married Charles Kirtley on December 6, 1957, at the age of 17 and they were married almost 59 years. Charles and Linda spent 22 years in the U.S. Air Force with their two children. Following her husband's retirement from the Air Force, they returned to Pine Bluff. Linda was a graduate of the U of A at Pine Bluff at the age of 38, finishing #8 in her graduating class of 408. After graduation, she was employed at Jefferson Regional Medical Center where she rose to the position of Director of Materials Management at the time of her retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Kirtley; one son, Charles Vincen Kirtley (Sharon) of Hot Springs; one daughter, Leah Kirtley Gehring (Kenneth) of Benton; five grandchildren, Charles Lucas Kirtley (Tasmine), Harrell Dean Rinehart 111, Andrea Rinehart, Roger Wood Jr., and Harley Gehring; and four great grandchildren which were all the light of her life. Linda was a member of the Lake Hamilton Baptist Church where she ran the Hope Food Pantry for about twelve years. She also enjoyed sewing and gardening. A celebration of Linda's life will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.