FAYETTEVILLE — Linda Ridgeway Buckner,
81 of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away after a long battle with ALS on August 8, 2020 at Circle of Life in Springdale surrounded by her family. She was born November 23, 1938, in Hot Springs, Ark.
She graduated from Arkadelphia High School and attended Ouachita Baptist University where she met and married James L. Buckner. They spent 25 years in the military and Linda was the consummate military wife juggling family, reassignments and support during the many years of Jim’s combat deployments. After Jim’s retirement they settled in Fayetteville, and Linda was a secretary at Woodland Junior High, and an Executive Administrative Assistant to the director of Women’s Athletics at the University of Arkansas.
She was a longtime member of Cross Church in Springdale and loved her Sunday School class dearly. She was an active member of the ALS Association Support Group and an ALS Family Foundation Board Member. She was a proud member of the Military Order of Purple Heart Ladies’ Auxiliary. Linda was well known for her sweet stubbornness, attention to detail and above all her kindness and fierce love of her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 Years, Jim Buckner; daughter, Cindy Buckner Thomas; grandson, Micah Thomas; sister, Jean Ridgeway Singer; and brother, Richard Ridgeway.
Linda is survived by her sons, James L. Buckner, Jr., and wife Freda of Sand Springs, Okla., and Matthew D. Buckner and wife, Amy, of Fayetteville, Ark.; seven grandchildren and four great-grandsons.
Her family greatly appreciates the care and love given to her by the staff and caregivers at Butterfield Trail Village and during her short stay at Circle of Life Hospice. A private family funeral service will be held in the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home with Pastor Charlie Foster officiating. Burial will follow at Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville. Memorial contributions may be made to: ALS Association – Arkansas Chapter, Inc., 1200 West Walnut Ste. 240608, Rogers, Ark. 72756, or Casa Aleluya Children’s Home – www.casaaleluya.org. To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.