Anderson, IN - ANDERSON — Linda Kay (Benfield) Haynes, former councilwoman of the City of Anderson, Indiana has passed away at the age of 78 after an extended illness.

After many years of civic engagement, Linda was elected to represent the 6th district of Anderson from 1992-1995 before embarking on two mayoral campaigns in 1995 and 1999. Guided by a deep sense of fairness, she aspired to deliver practical solutions for her district and the city at large. Linda had an enduring passion for public service and will be remembered as someone who spoke from the heart.

From her earliest days, Linda was strongly bonded to her family. Born in Lee County, Virginia, Linda, her brother, Hank "Henry", and her parents, Carl and Delza Benfield, moved to Alexandria, Indiana in 1952. Her childhood in Alexandria benefited from close proximity of extended Benfield and Haynes family members and frequent trips to visit grandparents in Virginia.

Following graduation in 1966 from her beloved Alexandria-Monroe High School, Linda soon married and started a family of her own. After brief stays in Virginia and Ohio, Linda and her young family settled in Anderson, Indiana near her parents and brother. While raising her young daughter Rebecca (Becky) and managing a household, Linda worked in the City of Anderson Utilities department and participated politically at a precinct level. In early to mid-1980s, Linda and her family briefly relocated to Louisiana in response to the dwindling automotive industry in Indiana. By the late 1980s, Linda had returned to Anderson and re-engaged with local governance and public policy activities while working for the City of Anderson. Linda was also a small business owner in Anderson for many years with her now ex-husband Don Haynes. The Antique Boutique was a mainstay on Anderson's West Seventh Street, selling wares at several antique malls in the region, and traveling to dozens of antique shows across the country.

In August 2009, Linda suffered a life-altering heart attack. In the subsequent years, her primary joys were in form of visits with local family and friends and telephone calls to distant relatives. Throughout Linda's business endeavors, political efforts and medical events, she remained closely bonded with and supported by her family. Linda's father, Carl, and her brother, Hank, were her anchors, sharing unbreakable bonds of love and support throughout her life.

Linda is survived by her brother, Hank Benfield; daughter, Rebecca (Tammie) Williams; nephew, Travis Benfield; grandnephews, Hunter Benfield and Carl (Tori) Benfield; great-grandniece, Annabelle Benfield; and several Benfield cousins.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Carl Benfield; and her mother, Delza Benfield.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, at Owens Funeral Home, 412 N. Harrison St., Alexandria. A service honoring Linda's life will begin immediately thereafter at 2 p.m. with Chaplain Rob Mifflin officiating.

Interment will follow on at 11 a.m. EST Aug. 6, 2026, at Miller's Chapel Cemetery in Jonesville, Virginia. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Madison County Humane Society, 2219 Crystal St., Anderson, IN 46012.