Linda Sue Banta

Linda Sue (Neal) Banta, 68, of Springport passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Henry County Community Health following an extended illness. She was born on December 23, 1949 in Henry County, a daughter of the late UG and Mable (Shelton) Neal.

Most people in the New Castle area may remember Linda as a school teacher. She was a teacher for 20 years at New Castle and Blue River Valley Schools before spending the last ten years of her career at Agape. Following nearly eight years of college at both Life College in Ohio and Ball State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in teaching, Linda continued life with a learning attitude. She loved to read and learn how to do things with her hands, like knitting blankets.

Linda was a magnet for children, they loved her and she made them each feel special. She ministered to children with a vivacious animated spirit through programs at the Springport Christian Church, where she was a member, and the DIVE program at Four Square Gospel Church, where she often attended. Needless to say, Linda loved her own grandchildren, always putting on a big time for them and enjoyed attending their sporting events. She was also a wonderful mother who was always there for her only child, Travis.

First in Linda’s life was her faith and belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even when she was in the greatest of pain, Linda had praise in her heart for her Lord and Savior. She lived a Christian life as well, her husband Bob, can never recall a time Linda ever lied or cheated anyone. In fact, Linda gave eighty to ninety percent of her Social Security check to different charities. Linda loved going to church camp, even after getting married she would attend church camp with her friends. She also had a love for gospel music and no matter how much the pain; Linda was always ready to make a trip to hear the Gaither Vocal Band or The Isaac’s.

Linda loved Maui, where she and Bob had been twice and had planned to renew their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary. She had also sold Pampered Chef at one time and enjoyed getting the different items more than making any money.

Linda leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 47 years, Bob Banta of Springport; son, Travis (Amy) Banta of Hagerstown; grandchildren, Madalyn, Nathan and Cecilia Banta all of Hagerstown; brother, Rick (Debra) Neal of New Castle; niece, Jamie (Jimmy) Miller of New Castle and their children, Hanna and Brooklyn; nephew, Chad (Meghan) Neal of Hagerstown and their children, Isaiah, Caleb and Korah.
In addition to her parents, Linda is preceded in death by a great nephew, Elijah “Eli” Neal.

Services will be at 3:30p.m. Friday, May 18, 2018 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Rev. Charles McDonald and David Sebinaler officiating. Burial will follow in Hillsboro Cemetery. Visitation will from 1:30-3:30p.m. Friday prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to the Four Square Church, DIVE Program, church camp scholarship fund, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Memories or condolences of Linda may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com .