Linda Darlene Bays-age 77 of Maynardville passed away peacefully Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Willow Ridge Center, Maynardville. She was of the Church of God faith. She was born October 13, 1945 in Lilbourn, Missouri and a graduate of Lilbourn High School, class of 1964. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Preceded in death by parents, Virgil and Beulah Earnheart; sisters, Rebecca Sisk, Virgie Bailey; brother, Will Earnheart; step-children, Angela Pollard, Dave Childress, Jerry Childress.

She is survived by husband of 38 years, James Herbert Bays, Maynardville; son, Samuel Thatcher, Maynardville; daughters, Angie Stiner, Maynardville and Sonya Liebold, Maynardville; step-children, Donald Childress and wife, Missy, Jim Bays and wife, Teresa, Sherry Wallace; grandchildren, Brittany Cheser and husband, Brandon, Scott Stiner, Kayla Russo and husband Dave, Hunter Liebold; great grandchildren, Riley Ford, Colt Cheser, Axel Cheser, Braxten Warwick, Danni Grayson, Kain Stiner, Winter Nicley, Oliver Russo, Mason Russo, Anthony Russo, Rosalee Russo. Brothers, Earl Earnheart of Missouri; Donald “Buddy” Earnheart of Maynardville. Several other family members she loved as her own include step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins along with a host of friends.

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2023 with funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. Saturday, Cooke-Campbell Mortuary Chapel, Rev. Wade Brantley officiating with music by Donald Childress, Jr. Interment 11 a.m. Sunday, Big Barren Cemetery, Maynardville. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Sunday to go in procession. Pallbearers: Brandon Cheser, Scott Stiner, Jr., Donald Childress, Donald Childress, Jr., Jim Bays, Dave Russo. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.