Lynda Hollenbeck was known for her career in journalism, and her charity work with The Royal Players, Humane Society of Saline County, and her love of cats.
OBITUARY
Lynda Lou Hollenbeck
Aug 8, 1941 – Jan 5, 2025
Lynda Lou Hollenbeck, 83, of Benton passed away Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. She was born Aug. 8, 1941, in McCrory to the late Paul and Lillie Parnell.
YOUTH
Lynda lived most of her younger years in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, attending church nearly every Sunday with her parents. Her mother served as organist for the local church for 55 years. As a young girl, Lynda would fall in love with singing by the age of 3 and could play the piano by 6.
Lynda would later graduate from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, majoring in journalism. She first thought music would be her calling, quickly realizing the road ahead consisted of more than singing and dancing. With her degree, Lynda would use it for church bulletins and other small works before making her way to Saline County.
CAREER
Moving to Benton in 1970, Lynda would embark on a career that spanned five decades with The Saline Courier, leading her to rub elbows with future U.S. Presidents, movies stars, high-profile doctors and many musicians and other celebrities such as Dr. Henry Heimlich (credited with discovering the Heimlich maneuver), Burt Reynolds, Robert Goulet and Bill Clinton.
Lynda began her career as a three-day-a-week society editor before eventually becoming senior reporter and associate editor. Her column “Sense and Nonsense” would run for decades in the Courier, becoming a Sunday favorite for Benton readers as Lynda told stories and experiences from throughout her life.
CHARITY
While news and writing made up most of Lynda’s life – until her retirement in 2018 – family, animals and helping people also took up space during her 83 years.
Lynda was well-known for feeding as many Benton stray cats as possible, often having a family of 10 or more living under the Courier building. The Humane Society of Saline County held a special place in Lynda’s heart for many decades as well, as she would donate to and promote the establishment throughout her career.
Lynda also was extremely active in the Royal Players community theater organization too. Additionally, she served as pianist and music director for many churches.
FAMILY
Lynda is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of 37 years, Ed Hollenbeck.
She is survived by her daughter Karen Brannon and husband Joey; sons Paul Campbell and wife Sue; and Allen Campbell and wife Melissa; grandchildren Hayley Wilcox and husband Josh; Abbey Bishop and husband Trey; Molly Mitchell and husband Justin; Max Brannon, Jason Campbell, Lucas Campbell, Heather Haywood and Madison Haywood; and great-grandchildren Brae, Whit and Layla Wilcox; Briggs Bishop; and a great-granddaughter due in March.
SERVICES
Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton.
Graveside service will follow Wednesday, Jan. 22 in Cotton Plant with services beginning at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Saline County, Saline Memorial Hospital or the Royal Players in memory of Lynda.
Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
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