MADISONVILLE — Linda Ray Bennett, 51, of Madisonville, Ky., passed away Sunday, October 28, 2012, at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville.

She was born July 10, 1961, in Webster Co., Ky., to Ollie Sue Hanor Gregory and the late Lossie Ray Gregory.

Mrs. Bennett was a Teacher’s Assistant at South Hopkins Middle School in Mrs. Kelly Grimes’ room. She loved her job and loved that she had the opportunity to help children every day. She loved being involved in and supporting her husband’s preaching and music ministries and served as a wonderful, loving, and compassionate pastor’s wife. She was a member of Earlington General Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and participated in the drama programs. Throughout the years she served in many capacities in the church, including as an Officer in the Women’s Ministry Group.

She loved her annual mother-daughter trips, enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities, and cherished her time outdoors and camping with her husband. She loved to walk on the beach looking for sea shells, spending time on her screened-in porch, and loving on her cat, Serendipity. She will always be remembered as someone who was a friend to everyone she met, had a passion for helping people, and loved everyone. She will be deeply missed by all, but her loving spirit will live on with her family and friends forever.

She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Phillip Bennett of Madisonville; one daughter, Lindsey Bennett (Blake Harris) of Madisonville; one son, Rob (Keri) Bennett of Paducah, Ky.; one sister, Phylis (Kenneth) Moore of Clay, Ky.; one brother, Ronald Keeney of Clay, Ky.; two grandchildren, Jack Bennett and Adyson Bennett; her in-laws, R.T. and Betty Cox of Madisonville, Gary (Donna) Bennett of Madisonville, La Donna (Thomas) Childers of Madisonville; and Serina (Shane) White of Madisonville; several nieces; and nephews; and her cat, Serendipity.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 1, 2012, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home with Bro. Edward “Bill” Gaines, Bro. Thomas “Tommy” Hayes, Bro. Mike Rambo, and Bro. Gary Bennett officiating. Burial will follow in Grapevine cemetery in Madisonville.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, and after 10:00 a.m. until service time on Thursday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Tim Trimble, Tim Cooper, Jerry Simpson, Willie McGregor, Dennis Lewis, and Blake Harris. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Bennett and Ronald (Bubby) Keeney.