Linda (Eilen) Smith

Linda C. Smith, age 70 of Hampton, passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on Wednesday morning, December 10, 2025.

Linda, the daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth "Betty" (Thurmes) Eilen, was born May 3, 1955, in Hastings. Following her graduation from Hastings High School, Linda was united in marriage to Charles "Charlie" Smith on June 30, 1973. In her younger years, Linda worked at the Black Stallion, cleaned, baby sat, and helped raise her siblings. She later became the longtime receiving manager at Walmart and retired after thirty-years. Linda enjoyed gardening, especially caring for her flower gardens, working on crafts, and playing puzzles. In her free time, she enjoyed watching game shows and Hallmark movies, and was known to collect a gnome or two. Linda loved cooking and was a talented baker too. She cherished the time spent in the pontoon, fishing, and being with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jeanne; son, Jeffrey; brother-in-law, Dale Meyer; nephew, Jacob "Jake" Eilen; great nephew, Mavrick Eilen; and by her favorite dog, Cricket.

Linda is survived by her husband, Charlie; children, Jennifer Endres and Matthew Smith; granddaughters, Payton and Everlee Endres; siblings, Tom (Julie) Eilen, Debbie Norberg-Meyer, Mary (Todd) Haro, Kathy (Joe) Wagner, and Donna (Ray) Staus; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Hampton, with Father Michael Tix officiating. Private family interment will be held at the parish cemetery where Linda will be laid to rest next to her son, Jeff.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and to a reception immediately following the Mass, all at the church on Friday.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.