Linda Kay Connell-McClendon, born November 28 ^th 1942 passed away peacefully on the morning of January 31 ^st 2021 at the age of 78. Linda was a retired member of the Arkansas Highway Department and was the first certified female underwater welder in her home state of Arkansas. In addition, she was an accomplished real-estate agent who owned and managed her own business Arkland real-estate for many years. She was a kind soul who loved to stay connected with her friends and family especially through Facebook. Whenever possible she would enjoy attending family gatherings as nothing was more important to her. Her hobbies, she enjoyed trips about the country, even to abroad, and gambling wherever she went. Otherwise she enjoyed spending her moments discussing and understanding politics as well as watching classical westerns. She is known as an incredibly strong-willed person who always found her own way in life with a very lively and passionate personality. Preceded in death by her parents Imogene Mullenax-McClendon and James Doyle McClendon, brothers James and Steve McClendon and nephew Mike McClendon. Survived by daughter Carla McFarland, grandsons Daniel and Joseph McFarland, niece Laura Merriweather and nephew Ben McClendon. She will be remembered with a living urn planted at the home of her beloved daughter, growing new life in her honor. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Saint Judes Hospital is appreciated.