Linda Ann (Haney) Kraft

 It is with great sadness that the family of Linda Ann (Haney) Kraft announce her passing. She fought a long hard battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 22, 2018. 
Linda was born May 25, 1959, the daughter of Willie and Thelma (Burton) Haney. She was a lifelong resident of Benton, who over the years volunteered for many different organizations in the community, including the Ministerial Alliance and Food Pantry. She married Sammy Gene Kraft, of Benton, on January 10, 1976 and had one daughter, Jennifer Ann Kraft. Linda attended Rend Lake Cosmetology school and ran her own beauty shop at her home, Linda’s Kut & Kurl for 15+ years. She loved being a beautician and especially loved being self-employed, as she could set her own schedule. This allowed her to attend her daughter’s activities, which included volunteering as the leader of her Girl Scout Brownie group and coach her daughter’s softball teams with her husband Sam for many years. After she closed her shop, she took some time off before going back into the work force at Wal-Mart. In the 8+ years she was there, she worked as a cashier and during the holidays, loved to dress up as Santa’s Elf and the Easter Bunny for pictures. She was also a member of the Benton Elks Lodge and elected as Trustee for the Benton Library. One of the many things people loved about Linda was her passion for animals. She never met a stray animal that she and Sam wouldn’t care for. Linda loved socializing, being with her friends, dancing, playing cards and had a wonderful smile that could light up a room. Many family and friends lovingly called her “Precious” as she was always sweet and kind to others. 
Linda was preceded in death by her parents.  
Linda will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 42 years, Sam; daughter, Jennifer of St. Charles, MO; sisters Carole Rice, Earlene Spetter, Brenda (Saffouh) KhanKan, and Sandra Majdich; brothers Ronnie Haney and Bill Haney; many cousins, nieces and nephews and a multitude of dear friends.  
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. 
A celebration of Linda’s life will be on Friday, January 26th, 2018, at 11 am and will be officiated, by Reverend Gary West. Burial will follow at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5pm to 8pm Thursday evening, January 25th, 2018.  
The family would like to extend a very warm thank you to all the staff at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, Crossroads Home Health and to the SSM Hospice team.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Linda’s honor to the Franklin County Animal Shelter. Donations will be accepted at Morton Johnston Funeral Home.

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