Linda Joan Welch

Linda Joan Hays Stokes Welch, 82, of Pleasant Plains, departed this life on Friday, June 19, 2026. She was born on March 24, 1944, in Pleasant Plains, to Walter Littleton Hays and Pearl Grogan Hays.

Linda loved her family very much and enjoyed spending time with them.  Being a people person she enjoyed making sure no one did without anything if she could get it for them. She also loved gardening, reading, shopping, and collecting recipes from favorite cookbooks.

During her working years she was in restaurant management. 

Left to cherish her memory are her step-sons, Bobby (Gwen) Welch, of Searcy, and Earnest George (Dana) Welch, of Locust Grove; and two step grandchildren; several nieces; nephews; and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bobby Welch; her brothers, Kenneth Hays, Darrel Hays, Donnie (Dobie) Hays, Zed “Tootie” Hays; her sisters, Erma “Snook” Hammonds, Letty Ruth Freeman, “Batterraw”, Peggy Jacobs, and Patsy Pratt. 

There will be  private family Celebration of Life at a later date.