SOUTH BEND - Linda F. Carpenter, 69, of South Bend, died on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at the South Bend Hospice House after a lengthy illness. Linda was born on December 31, 1947, to the late Eugene and Glendora (Teske) Wharton in South Bend. She graduated from John Adams High School in 1966. On January 16, 1971, in South Bend, Linda was united in marriage to Kenneth A. Carpenter, who survives her. Along with her husband she is survived by two daughters: Jennifer and her husband David Mannen of South Bend, and Rebekah Carpenter and her husband Brad Lile of South Bend; and grandson Kenneth Lile. Also surviving are: brothers-in-law Richard Carpenter of Twin Falls, ID, and Bill (Michele) Carpenter of Wyoming, MI; sister-in-law Phyllis Bierema of Grandville, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Kenneth Bierema, and her in-laws Lowell and Lela Carpenter. Over the years while taking time off to raise her daughters, Linda worked at Mark's Chinese Restaurant, King Optical, Liberty Mutual Insurance, the St. Joseph County Welfare Dept., Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation, the South Bend Community School Corp., and A.J. Wright. Linda enjoyed traveling with Ken, seeing most of the United States, and taking many winter trips to Florida and Caribbean cruises. Per Linda's wishes she has been cremated and there will be no visitation or service at this time. There will be a private graveside service in the spring of 2017 at Gun Plain Township Cemetery, Plainwell, MI. The family would like to thank Tracy, Melissa, Arlin, and the entire support group at the Center for Hospice Care for the past 18 months of love and care. Arrangements have been handled by the Welsheimer Family Funeral Homes and Crematory and condolences may be expressed online at www.welsheimer.com. Memorial contributions may be made in Linda's memory to Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637.
Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 11, 2017