Linda Kay Hayter, age 75, passed away on January 30, 2026, surrounded by her husband and daughters.
Linda was born on May 1, 1950, in Saint Joseph, Missouri to Robert Lee Hepburn and Virginia Hepburn. She was the first of two children. Linda graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School, a Catholic school in Saint Joseph. Following graduation, she attended Missouri Western University. Linda married Robert Reeves Hayter on December 4, 1971, and they resided in Saint Joseph until 1976, when they moved to Paris, Texas. Reeves and Linda’s three daughters and seven grandchildren were the light of her life.
Linda will be remembered most of all for her devotion to her family, and for the loving environment she fostered. She enjoyed playing bridge, baking, fishing, and watching college basketball, and she never turned down a game of Skip-Bo with her grandchildren. Family trips to the beach were an annual tradition, and her family is blessed with so many beautiful memories.
Linda was also a dedicated community volunteer, devoting 45 years to The King’s Daughters First Circle, including serving as President twice and Treasurer for many years. She was an active member of the church choir and of the Women of the Church at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. Linda had a long history of community service, raising money and awareness for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Cancer Society, teaching Sunday School, and volunteering with the Paris Cheer Boosters. She was a former member of the Paris Newcomer’s Club, the Garden Study Club, the McCuistion Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, the Paris Jaycee-ettes, the YWCA, and numerous other organizations.
Linda is survived by her husband Reeves, her brother, Edward and his wife, Kathy, her three daughters: Ashley Lassiter and husband, Ryan, Emily Nance and husband, Jon, Catherine Duke and husband, Steven, and seven grandchildren: Ben, Ava and Luke Lassiter, Drew and Michael Nance, and Joshua and Christopher Duke. Linda was loved by a large extended family.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11am at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, with Father Jonathan Beck officiating. There will be a reception to follow, and interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home. If desired, donations may be made to the King’s Daughters or to Holy Cross Episcopal Church.
