With heavy hearts, we announce that Lynda Gaye (Barker) Arnett, 73, passed away peacefully at her home in the rural Muncie, Indiana area, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, surrounded by her family. Her Sunday morning departure seemed a fitting tribute to her lifelong commitment to the church and her deep, abiding faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness, and an abundance of family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Lynda is survived by her husband of 54 years, Reverend John D. Arnett (Albany, IN); her four children—Hannah G. Arnett (Brooklyn, NY), Justin Arnett (Austin, TX), Heather Arnett (Normal, IL), and JuliAnna Arnett (Washington, D.C.); and her treasured grandchildren, Benjamin Brown (Normal, IL) and Samuel Brown (Normal, IL). She is also survived by her brothers, Orlan (Cindy) Barker (Greentown, IN), and Brian Barker (Peru, IN), and many cherished members of the Barker and Arnett families.

Born in Kokomo, IN, Lynda is preceded in death by her parents, Ward and Alice (Myers) Barker (Howard County, IN). She graduated from Western High School (Russiaville, IN). Her family attended Southside Wesleyan Church in Kokomo, IN, where she met the love of her life—her beloved "love muffin"—John, at age 16. Lynda and John built a home centered on faith, creativity, humor, music, books, and love. Lynda was the heart of her family, encouraging her children to pursue knowledge, nurture their imaginations, and care deeply for others. As a grandmother, she treasured every moment with Benjamin and Samuel, who brought her tremendous pride and joy.

A quiet and gentle spirit, her love of life was demonstrated through her many personal passions. Lynda was a voracious reader, always curious about the lives of others and the world around her. Books filled every room and vehicle, ready to nourish her hunger for learning. She was also a gifted pianist whose music offered comfort and peace, both in church and at home. Lynda loved spending time in her flower gardens, tending them with knowledge, care, and appreciation for the beauty of God's creation. She pursued many creative arts, including sewing, painting, and photography.

Lynda earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ball State University in Muncie, IN, while raising children and supporting the church's ministry as a pastor's wife. She taught Family and Consumer Sciences at Blackford County, IN, middle and high school for 20 years (1994-2014), dedicating countless hours to preparing students with practical life skills and encouraging their personal growth. She was a lifelong learner with a heart for service who lived her life with kindness, creativity, humor, and a deep appreciation for others.

She faithfully served her church communities throughout her life. As a pastor's wife at Fowler Wesleyan, Bethel Heights Wesleyan, Northview Wesleyan, and Shiloh Friends, she welcomed everyone with warmth and compassion. Later, she became an active member of Rising Hope Wesleyan Church in Muncie, IN. She often assured others that "God has a plan and a place for everyone," offering prayers that were gracious, heartfelt, and sometimes amusingly spontaneous; she was known to break out into prayer in the middle of a conversation or task.

Lynda was an encourager. Her handwritten cards were like warm hugs, and her empathetic heart made everyone feel seen and valued. Most of all, Lynda put love first. She lived her principles with integrity and strength, seeing past flaws to recognize others' potential. She was a second mother to many—her children's friends, nieces, nephews, and young adults at church—listening to their challenges and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

She faced three diagnoses of breast cancer with courage and determination—first in her forties, again twenty years later, and a final time shortly after suffering a stroke earlier this year. Though she longed to remain with those she loved, her body could not recover, and her heart turned toward joining Jesus in peace after a short period of hospice.

A gathering to honor and celebrate Lynda's life will be held in early summer, when the flowers are in bloom, as was her request. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Fair Haven Foundation (https://fairhavenfoundation.org/), an Indianapolis, IN-based ministry that provides housing and care to cancer patients and their families. Fair Haven was a great comfort to the Arnetts during Lynda's recent illness, and the family wishes to help support other families going through difficult times with cancer.