May 9, 2026 at 8:40 a.m.
Linda Lee Ayala, 83, Hope
By Fitzpatrick Funeral Home
On May 4, 2026, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus, Linda passed from this life.
Recently of Hope and formerly of West Terre Haute, Indiana, she was born on July 19, 1942, the daughter of Ernest Alfred and Ada Jane (Higginbotham) Hay Lemmons. On January 5, 1979, she married Joseph Michael Ayala, who preceded her in death.
She was a graduate of Valley High School in West Terre Haute and retired after 30 years with the Indiana State University Athletics Department.
She is survived by daughters Tina Marie Dean and her husband Michael of Hope IN, and Lititia Lynn Morris of Terre Haute, brother Timothy Byron Hay and his wife So Mi of Cibolo, Texas, sister Renee Yarbrough and her husband Donn of Terre Haute, Indiana, and sister of the heart Barbara Jean Jackson of West Terre Haute.
She left behind grandchildren Tanner H. Dean and his wife Audrey of Franklin IN, Mason Bradley Dean of Columbus IN, Carsen Rose Dean and her husband Benjamin Simpson of Carlton, GA, Lindsey Nichole Stillman and Devin Cole Anderson and his wife Sarah, all of Terre Haute.
She had eight great-grandchildren, Lilah Ann Dean of Plainfield IN, Jordyn Jo Dean, Raelynn Michael Dean, and Livy Rose Dean of Franklin IN, Joseph Michael-Ayala Elkins, Xzavier Cameron Anderson, Lincoln Cole Anderson and Emerie Lynn Anderson, all of Terre Haute IN.
Among her many nieces and nephews are Jane Neice Hann (Bill), Harvey T. Neice (Terri), Cathy An (Mino), Michelle Hill (Mike), DJ Yarbrough (Tiffany) and numerous great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother William L. Hay, her sister Nancy Lititia Neice, her brother-in-law Harvey Neice, and her nephew Timothy Harvey Hay.
She greatly missed her longtime canine companion, Norman, and will be grieved by her more recent little friend, Reverend. She loved her family and was respected by all.
Funeral services will be held at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 12 p.m., with Pastor Chris Wilbur officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Monday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the funeral home.
Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com.
