Linda Huffaker Darden, 79, of Columbus, passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 23, 2018, at her home.

Born in Tabor City, North Carolina, in 1938, she was the daughter of the late Stewart and Nova Wright Huffaker, and widow of Charles Darden, who passed away in 2017. 

Growing up in eastern North Carolina, Linda attended nursing school in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she met her husband, Charlie.  She was a dedicated mother to her four children, and spent many years in the nursing profession, mostly at Western Carolina University serving as the nursing director.  

She loved reading and crossword puzzles in her spare time. She enjoyed birdwatching and cherished gardening when she was able to.

During her last nine years at Tryon Estates in Columbus, she made many special friends and loved them dearly. Also during this time, she further developed her faith in Jesus Christ and the wonderful things to come.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Judith McKibbin.

She is survived by her son, Richard and grandson Chris and granddaughter, Carrie; daughter, Elizabeth, her husband, Michael, and granddaughters. Jessica and Katharine; son, Russ, his wife Tonya and grandsons Nevin and Aaron; son, Gib, his wife Amanda and granddaughter Maggie, and grandsons Fisher and Gus.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Tryon Estates.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest register is available at mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Tryon