Linda Kay Blanchard Bales, 64, of Lorado, died Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis.

She was born July 2, 1947, in Walnut Ridge to the late Roy and Beatrice Blanchard. Mrs. Bales retired after 38 years with the Arkansas State Parks, and then she worked for Focus Inc. with adults with disabilities. She was a member of Higher Trails Cowboy Church and previously attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, James “Butch” Bales of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Christi Bales; and one daughter and son-in-law, Kristie and Joey Huffman, all of Lorado. She is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Earl Highfield of Powhatan; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Roy Byron Blanchard; and a nephew, Jay Highfield.

Memorial services will be conducted at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 30th, at Higher Trails Cowboy Church with Phillip Brown officiating. All friends and family are invited. No visitation is scheduled.

Memorials may be made to: Higher Trails Cowboy Church % Kristie Huffman 404 Greene 324 Road Jonesboro, AR 72401

Arrangements were by Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.

Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com