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Linda Lee Lay: Nov. 15, 1947-May 12, 2026

Even after retirement, her desire to help others continued as she assisted disabled individuals, seniors, and others navigating Social Security benefits—work that reflected both her compassion and her servant’s heart.

Linda Lee Lay, age 78, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, in Kerrville, Texas, and was welcomed home into the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Linda was born on November 15, 1947, to Charles Owen Lay and Joyce Maxine (Ford) Lay, both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Harlandale High School in 1966 and soon began what would become a long and meaningful career in public service.

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Beginning in 1967, Linda served in civilian roles with the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, and later the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. Even after retirement, her desire to help others continued as she assisted disabled individuals, seniors, and others navigating Social Security benefits—work that reflected both her compassion and her servant’s heart.

Linda was strong-willed, independent by nature, and rarely without a smile. Few things defined her more than her devotion to family. As a devoted single mother, Linda worked hard to provide for her son, ensuring he always had what he needed and instilling in him the values, discipline, and faith that would guide him throughout life. For many years, she also faithfully cared for her parents, especially her mother in her later years, serving with quiet strength, loyalty, and love.

In 2018, she moved to Batavia, Illinois, to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren—a chapter in her life that brought her great joy and many treasured memories. In late 2024, as she entered a more difficult season of life, she returned home to Texas, where she was lovingly cared for by family and made her home in Kerrville.

She is survived by her son, Mark Knoblock, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Knoblock; brothers Wayne Lay and his companion, Margie Justice, and Timothy Lay and his wife, Carolyn Lay; and three beloved grandchildren. To them, she was lovingly known as Grandma Lay.

She will be remembered for her strength, her independence, her unwavering love for family, and the smile that brightened the lives of those who knew her.

Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Senior Services Associates in Elgin, Illinois, or the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry & Clothes Closet in Batavia, Illinois—organizations that provided meaningful support during her later years.

Author

Growing up in Southern California, Louis Amestoy remained connected to Texas as the birthplace of his father and grandfather. Texas was always a presence in the family’s life. Amestoy’s great-grandparents settled in San Antonio, Texas, drawn by the city’s connections to Mexico and the region’s German communities. In 2019, Louis Amestoy saw an opportunity to make a home in Texas. After 30 years of working for corporate media chains, Louis Amestoy saw a chance to establish an independent voice in the Texas Hill Country. He launched The Lead to be that vehicle. With investment from Meta, Amestoy began independently publishing on Aug. 9, 2021. The Amestoys have called Kerrville home since 2019.

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