Linda Kay (Rule) Barnett

April 3, 2024

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Linda Kay Barnett, 75, of Kirklin, entered her eternal home on April 3, 2024. Linda was born in Frankfort, IN on September 22, 1948 to Wilbur T. and Betty J. (West) Rule. She married Jerry Barnett on August 25, 1968. They made their home together in Kirklin for 55 1/2 years.

Linda will be remembered by many as a teacher, coach, caterer, seamstress, county and state fair 4-H advocate and worker, food pantry coordinator and worker, and wonderful friend. She was an avid, life-long Clinton Central Bulldog and Purdue Boilermaker fan. Most importantly, she loved her family and would do anything for any of them.

In addition to her husband, Linda is survived by her brother, Mark (Jennifer) Rule of Forest, IN, brother-in-law, Jim (Karen) Barnett, of Mechanicsburg, IN nephews Jeff (Denae) Barnett, Jason (Jodi) Barnett, BJ (Kate) Rule, Kyle (Cheyenne) Rule and niece Jayme (Willy) Will and sixteen great nephews and nieces.  Linda was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, May 5, 2024 at the Michigantown Lions Club (Old Michigantown School), 500 Ohio Street, Michigantown, Indiana. A memorial service will begin a 5 p.m. with Karl Kercheval officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Donations be made in Linda’s honor to the Wilbur T. Rule and Linda Kay Barnett Team Player Scholarship Fund, C/O Clinton County Community Foundation, 215 W. Sycamore Street, Kokomo, IN 46901.  Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

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47 Condolences for “Linda Kay (Rule) Barnett”

  1. Susie McCorkle April 6, 2024 at 6:55 pm

    So very sorry to hear of the loss of Linda. What a great lady she will certainly be missed. She always was a great encourager to 4H members in the sheep barn!

    Reply
  2. Jane A Sheets April 6, 2024 at 7:35 pm

    My condolences to the Barnett and Rule Families.
    Linda was everything to everybody. She was an icon.
    Can’t you picture her flipping her hair back…or was it that she moved so fast that her hair was flowing backwards as she sped through the universe?
    Linda will be missed. Exquisite caterer, prolific seamstress, and passionate cheerleader for so many of us.
    Sad to see you leave us, Linda.

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  3. Betsy Thornton April 7, 2024 at 12:35 am

    I am in shock, Coach was was always such a a little firecracker. I can’t believe she’s burnt out. Linda was such a huge influence throughout my high school years. She was SO involved with her Lady Bulldogs and I am proud to say that I was one.
    Once during a very bad snowstorm after a home basketball game, she asked me to drive her parents, Wilber and Betty, home to Michigantown on my way to Forest. I was 17 and felt so honored that she trusted me with such precious cargo. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart. She was so devoted to her teams and I have endless memories of lessons, fun and love. She will be missed and remembered by many. RIP Coach and don’t forget your sock hat.

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  4. Karl Kercheval April 7, 2024 at 10:31 am

    First-class educator. First-class lady. I’m thankful and honored to know her. Prayers of comfort with the family and thousands of friends who grieve today…

    Reply
  5. Joni Anderson April 7, 2024 at 12:15 pm

    She was an amazing volleyball coach to me. Such a wonderful teacher , always an encourager and advocate for team play!
    She had a wonderful sense of humor and was a delight to play for ! She never ask more from her team that she wasn’t will to give…. A super hard worker and expected the same.
    She was a spitfire and if she had an Apple Watch back then , I bet she would have got 50,000 steps in a day !
    She will be missed !
    Our love, prayers and sincere condolences to Jerry , Mark, Jennifer and all the family .

    Reply
  6. Mike & Kelly Henry April 7, 2024 at 12:21 pm

    Mike and I send our condolences to the Barnett and Rule family.

    Reply
  7. Leslie Martin April 7, 2024 at 12:50 pm

    I absolutely loved her. She always had time to talk. She always had time to listen. Love to talk about basketball. She’s a true staple of Indiana State fair and will be missed greatly.

    Reply
  8. Dora Russell April 7, 2024 at 1:12 pm

    She was the strength of Clinton Central. She was always encouraging and she never forgot a student. Prayers to the family. She was a wonderful lady.

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  9. Mike Hensley April 7, 2024 at 1:29 pm

    Jerry and family,
    I am so sorry to hear of the passing if Linda. She was a great person, educator and friend. You all are in our prayers .

    Reply
  10. Jane Unger April 7, 2024 at 1:48 pm

    Jon and I are sending our condolences as Linda will be missed by many. She was such a go getter and loved her community. We were so honored to have her cater for our Mother’s life celebration. Prayers to the family.

    Reply
  11. Amy Fields Abbett April 7, 2024 at 4:55 pm

    Words cannot describe what Coach meant to me. Everything I know about sports is due to her mentoring. The life’s lessons on how to be a good teammate, leader, and good person was from Coach. She coached me in volleyball, basketball and track all four years of high school. I loved her dearly and she meant so much to me. Rest in peace Coach. Heaven welcomed a faithful servant!

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  12. Jackie Padgett April 7, 2024 at 5:05 pm

    Was so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. Thinking of Jerry and all that were such an important part of her life. Prayers

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  13. Rusty Harmeyer April 7, 2024 at 5:25 pm

    May God bless the family; Linda was such a treasure, and she will be missed by so many.

    Reply
  14. Becky and Dean Walker April 7, 2024 at 6:52 pm

    Our hearts hurt for your family and Linda’s many friends. A 4-H sheep family from north of here called Dean last week and said, “Please tell us it’s not true!” We sure wish he could have said it wasn’t. Linda was such a blessing to so many and will be sorely missed in many ways. She leaves a legacy and big shoes to fill. Hugs, thoughts and prayers for everyone who feel this loss. God bless.

    Reply
  15. Marsha McPherson April 7, 2024 at 8:00 pm

    It was a pleasure knowing and working beside such a caring and dedicated person as Linda. My condolences to her family. RIP special lady!

    Reply
  16. Charles hedrick April 7, 2024 at 8:22 pm

    We are deeply sorry for the loss of such a sweet and wonderful lady. She has been a wonderful mentor to many of our county kids and we are going to miss her spunk and her passion that she has for our kids. Prayers to her family.

    Reply
  17. Matt Kennedy April 7, 2024 at 8:54 pm

    What I remember most about Linda was her contagious smile and her sweet personality. I sheared sheep for her and Jerry for 25 years and always remember her as such a wonderful lady. Later I worked with her at the state fair and it was always like I was talking to an old friend. She will always be remembered as a great one to me. So sorry for Jerry and her niece and nephews and brother because I know how much she meant to them. God bless and you will be in my prayers.

    Reply
  18. Diana Gallichan Barnes April 7, 2024 at 9:55 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing! I am so glad I was at our last combined class reunion to see her and so many of your classmates. Prayers for you and family during this time.

    Reply
  19. Betsy Thornton April 7, 2024 at 11:04 pm

    Coach was such a little firecracker, this is shocking news to me. Linda loved her Lady Bulldogs and I am proud to say I was one. Once after AA home basketball game, it was snowing very heavy, Coach asked me to drive her parents, Wilber and Betty, home to Michigantown on my way to Forest. I was only 17 but felt so honored that she trusted me with such precious cargo. She was very devoted to her teams and treated us like a big disfunctional family. Everyone had a role and everyone was included. I have so many memories of life lessons, fun and love. RIP Coach and don’t forget your sock hat.

    Reply
  20. Erilda & Ron Coleman April 8, 2024 at 5:50 am

    Our hearts are saddened to hear of Linda’s passing. Whatever Linda did, she did with a passionate heart. Her cup overflowed with love for her family. She so enjoyed being a teacher/life long coach & helper to so many. She will be missed. So glad we were able to see her at the Michigantown High School renion a couple years back. God Bless – Ron & Erilda – Foley, AL

    Reply
  21. Brenda Stevens April 8, 2024 at 8:10 am

    Saddened to learn of Linda’s passing. I hadn’t had much personal contact with Linda since high school, but when I saw her she always greeted me with her gleeful smile. She was a pillar of the Clinton Central Community and other communities as well. Hold dear the memories of happy times and places. Prayers to the family.

    Reply
  22. Andy Maguire April 8, 2024 at 8:28 am

    The town of Zionsville, ZCHS, and Zionsville girls basketball will always be grateful for all you did to help young women become successful adults. You will be missed, but always remembered!

    Reply
  23. Chris Barnett April 8, 2024 at 9:08 am

    She was such a great person. We used to have great talks at the post office when she dropped in to mail something for the school.
    To Jerry and the family, Mike and I send our prayers to all of you. She will be missed.

    Reply
  24. Jodi Durham April 8, 2024 at 11:38 am

    Linda was a former gym teacher of mine back in the 70’s. She always had a smile on her face! I also loved her long hair! May she Rest In Peace

    Reply
  25. Jordan Fields April 8, 2024 at 11:39 am

    Words can’t describe how sad I am for the passing of Aunt Linda, but I’m even more fortunate that I got to know her. Her warm spirit and kind heart touched the lives of so many, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion. I am deeply grateful to have known her and will forever cherish the memories.

    #cleanplateclub

    Reply
  26. Gary Chambers April 8, 2024 at 12:21 pm

    I know that I’ll be speaking for a whole lot of sports officials but Linda will be remembered for all the things that she did for us through the years. Whether it was as a coach, Athletic Director, making food for officiating clinics or for the hospitality room at basketball games she always gave her best. We will all miss her greatly. Rest in peace Linda.

    Reply
  27. Pauline Thompson April 8, 2024 at 12:31 pm

    My condolences to the family. Ms. Barnett was my gym teacher in the 70’s. She taught us so many skills others were not providing in those days. Not only sports, but being a team and being a good person. Even today, I share with my children and grandchildren what I learned from her. She was one of a kind.

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  28. Larry & Pat Newton April 8, 2024 at 1:31 pm

    Linda was a remarkable person. She touched so many lives during her teaching and coaching. But she didn’t stop there. Then she began catering, working for the Lions Club, Food Pantry and enjoying her family. She was a loyal Bulldog and Boilermaker. It will take MANY PEOPLE to fill her shoes. Our thoughts and prayers are with ALL THE FAMILY.

    Reply
  29. Dana (Marsh) Flores April 8, 2024 at 3:45 pm

    I had her for PE in Zionsville in JR High. Great teacher and fun class. Sorry for your loss.

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  30. Pat McKee April 8, 2024 at 4:15 pm

    What a wonderfully upbeat person who helped everyone she knew. Linda very much will be missed, but her spirit lives on through all that knew her. May her family and friends remember all the happy moments in this challenging time.

    Reply
  31. Phil Beanblossom April 8, 2024 at 6:00 pm

    Linda was our gym teacher at Eagle Elementary (Zionsville) in the mid 1970’s. She taught us how to play tetherball. We’ve started a Facebook thread for her on “If you grew up in Zionsville”. Many of the women mentioned that Coach Barnett taught them the basic rules and concepts of football which they really appreciated. May Linda rest in peace.

    Reply
  32. John Amos April 8, 2024 at 8:35 pm

    I looked up to you when I was a teenager, I will miss you.

    Reply
  33. Amy Bayless April 9, 2024 at 7:29 am

    Jerry and family
    So very very sorry for your loss. Linda was one of a kind and she will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for all of you at this difficult time.

    Amy Patchett Bayless

    Reply
  34. Carol Fausett Livengood April 9, 2024 at 8:46 am

    I started first grade with Linda way back in 1954. She was a leader even then. She made it a point to include everyone, no one was excluded. Often she made me score keeper in grade school ball games. She knew my athletic abilities, zilch. In all these years, I never heard her say a mean word about anyone. She will be sorely missed. She was a leader, educator and one darn cook. She was raised right. Prayers to the Rule and Barnett families.

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  35. Janet Ward April 9, 2024 at 10:34 am

    Jerry, Gary and I are so sorry for your loss. She was such an icon for the community and the Bulldogs.

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  36. Judy McKinzie April 9, 2024 at 11:48 am

    Jerry, So sorry to hear of the loss of Linda. Hopefully she will have peace forever. And hopefully you will find peace too. My sincere condolences to you and all family and friends. Love to you. Judy

    Reply
  37. Eric Payton April 9, 2024 at 1:57 pm

    The ultimate Bulldog and the greatest coach in Clinton Central history. I would frequently refer to her as “Linda Legend” because that’s indeed what she was. On top of that, she was an even greater person who always went out of her way to help others. Rest in Peace, Coach Barnett.

    Reply
  38. Chris Pursifull #32 April 9, 2024 at 6:33 pm

    I am so sorry to hear this. Coach Barnett was the best coach I have ever had. She taught me the value of hardwork and discipline and I still carry those values with me everyday. I have always appreciated her time and energy she spent with us girls on the basketball team going back to the 4th grade. She also helped me get a basketball scholarship when I graduated and even came to see me play in Vincennes. I will truly miss her and will forever be gratefully for the lessons in life she had taught me at a young age. RIP COACH BARNETT!

    Reply
  39. Kelly Jarrett April 9, 2024 at 9:49 pm

    I am so very sorry and devastated to hear this news. Such a great role model to all of us. I truly enjoyed playing for her. She will always hold a very special place in my heart. Heaven got a perfect angel.

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  40. KS April 10, 2024 at 12:11 am

    I’ve known Linda since 2015 when I started bringing Pygmy Goats to the state fair! It’s amazing what dedication to the 4-H program and youth will bring out in a person! She will be missed.

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  41. Brenda Scircle Smith April 10, 2024 at 12:17 am

    With deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Linda. May she rest in peace.

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  42. Kevin Hoeing Family April 10, 2024 at 9:03 am

    Thoughts and prayers to all…Linda will be truly missed at the ISF Sheep barn! Her great leadership, organizational skills, and dedication were stellar! Rest in Peace, friend….

    Reply
  43. Janet Pastorius April 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm

    I was so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. I consider myself fortunate to have known and worked with her for many years. We’re all supposed to “live life joyfully and to the fullest,” and Linda was, more than anyone I’ve ever known, the embodiment of that concept. It must greatly comfort the Barnett and Rule families to know what a positive influence she was to so many in the CC community. Hold fast to those memories at this sorrowful time. Janet Pastorius

    Reply
  44. Michael D Watkins April 12, 2024 at 1:33 am

    I’ve known Linda since childhood, as we were neighbors, just a block and a half away. She was always friendly then, and has been a friend to so many since. She brought food to my 90 + years old mom many times which always brought joy to her. There is a void that will not soon be filled! May the God of Peace bring comfort to her family as Linda enjoys her reunion with those gone before her. John 3:16

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  45. Cassie Sheets April 17, 2024 at 11:49 pm

    We will miss Aunt Linda so very much. I loved spending time with her, and she was always so kind to our kids and treated them like her own niece and nephew. She always made sure they got “treat bags” too. I admired (envied?!) her energy, ability to “do it all”, and positive spirit. She was one of a kind. Sending the Rule/Barnett family so much love and sympathy.

    Reply
  46. Cyle Newton family April 19, 2024 at 8:43 am

    Aunt Linda was loved by all! She has touched so very many lives and will be truly missed!

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  47. Mitch Wagoner April 20, 2024 at 4:29 pm

    Barnett Family,
    Sorry for your loss. Linda will be missed at the Indiana State Fair. As a 4-H Educator, I had the opportunity to work with her for a few years. She always made sure we were fed good while working at the State Fair. While working with her, you could tell her passions where livestock, girl sports, and family. We will miss her as she enters her next journey in live.
    Sincerely,
    Mitch Wagoner
    4-H Educator

    Reply

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