Linda L. Plake , age 69, of Gainesville, FL, and formerly of Elwood, lived a life overflowing with adventure, laughter, and love before passing on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Born December 25, 1956, in Elwood to Curtis and Evelyn (Ours) Bennett, Linda brought joy and a spark of excitement wherever she went. A proud 1976 graduate of Elwood Community High School, she began her career at the Great Little Food Store in Windfall, where she formed lifelong friendships and brightened every day with her humor and wit. Her adventurous spirit led her through many roles, including at Nylorite and Leatherite in Carmel, Services and Materials in Elwood, ELSA, LLC, Able Hands Home Health Care, and as a private care aide. Linda threw herself wholeheartedly into her community, serving with passion in organizations like the Alexandrian Eagles Lodge, Elwood Elks Lodge, Elwood V.F.W. Post, Indiana Zeta Lambda Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, and as a lifetime member of the American Legion. She found joy in helping organize the Elwood Memorial Day Parade, taking on everything from volunteer to chairman over 15 years.

Linda's zest for life showed in her adventurous hobbies—she loved scrapbooking her many memories, swimming, camping, jet skiing, and always seeking out new experiences. After moving to her beloved Florida to be close to the beach, she continued to connect with others, joining the V.F.W. Auxiliary of Gainesville and the Beta Sigma Phi Chapter Laureate Alpha Epsilon. Linda's greatest adventure was the love she shared with her family and friends. She never met a stranger, greeted everyone with a radiant smile, and filled every moment with warmth and laughter. To know Linda was to be swept up in her joy for life and her boundless love for those dearest to her.

Linda is survived by her son, Billy Hampton, Jr. of Gainesville, FL; 2 daughters; 6 grandchildren, Anastasia M. Hampton, Isabella P. Bixby, Curtis J. Hampton, Claire E. Hampton, Chloe J. Nichols, and Conner B. Nichols; 3 nieces, Amy Lynn Cushman of Churubusco, Carrie Leann (Bobby) Smith of Washington, NC, and Carisa Renee (Bryan) Sevrence of Fort Wayne;

Linda is preceded in death by her parents; 2 sons, Jackie L. Hampton III, and Jacob L. Hampton; sister and best-friend, Bonnie S. Corbett;

A funeral service honoring Linda's life will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  Burial will follow at Curtisville Cemetery.  A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00 to 3:00pm on Thursday, June 18, 2026 prior to the service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Animal Shelter in honor of Linda's love of animals.  Online condolences and stories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com.