Linda J. Leighty, 76, of Kendallville, Indiana, died Monday, January 5, 2026, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne surrounded by her family.

She was born December 29, 1949, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Donald and Phyllis (Fleck) Mullett.

On August 14, 1971, in Columbia City she married Donald L. Leighty.

Linda devoted her life to serving others, working as a teacher, a public librarian, and alongside her husband as a farmer's wife.

She was a member of the American Legion Post 86 Auxiliary in Kendallville and Farm Bureau.

Linda enjoyed gardening and creating homemade greeting cards, and she took great pride in being a lunch buddy to a young student and hosting foreign exchange students.. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family and loved watching her grandchildren participate in their events.

Surviving are her husband of 54 years, Donald Leighty of Kendallville; a son, Phillip (Julie) Leighty of Kendallville; a daughter, Elizabeth (Nelson) Salazar of Houston, Texas; and two grandchildren, Zackery Leighty and Kaitlyn Leighty.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Dean Mullett; and a sister, Jo Ellen Maley.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville and one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Linda's funeral service will be Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with her nephew, Pastor Bryan Maley officiating.

Burial will follow at Lake View Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Zack Leighty, Nelson Salazar, Katie Leighty, Dave Swenson, Jim Mullett, and John Mullett.

Memorials may be directed to Big Brothers Big Sisters Lunch Buddies Program or East Noble Unified Sports.

View a video tribute after Sunday and share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com