Linda Carol Riley Bass

Funeral services honoring the life of Linda Carol Riley Bass, of Maben, formerly of New Hebron, were conducted on April 14, 2026, at New Hebron Methodist Church with interment following in Whitesand Cemetery. Pastor Mike Hart officiated. Mrs. Bass, 74, peacefully passed away at her home on April 8. A woman of grace, dedication, and deep familial love, she leaves behind a legacy of service and a life richly lived. Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

Pallbearers included Barry Banes, Albert Fortenberry, Robert Fortenberry, John Turnage, Dalton Winter, Chase Waltman, Brian Owen, and Kolton Owen.

Born in Tupelo on May 6, 1951, to the late Dave Riley Sr. and Bettye Riley, Linda was a proud 1969 graduate of West Point High School. She continued her education at Mississippi State University, where she earned a degree in education–a calling she would honor for 25 years as a beloved elementary school teacher at New Hope.

Following her retirement, Linda moved to New Hebron, where she and her husband, Thomas Bass, found great joy in their cattle farm. An avid gardener, she possessed a true passion for the Earth, finding beauty in every flower and vegetable she grew. Her creative spirit was often seen through her hands, whether she was crocheting, sewing, or discovering hidden treasures while thrifting.

Above all her accomplishments, Linda’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother and a doting grandmother, cherishing every moment spent with those she loved most.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Thomas.

She is survived by her children, Rob (Kristi) Winter, Michelle (Brian) Owen, Ryan (Juli) Winter, and a stepdaughter, Teresa (Victor) Cain; her cherished grandchildren, Nikkie, Brooklyn, Chase, Kolton, Mya, Lilly, Dalton, Bella, and Anna Grace; her brother, Dave Riley (Tami); and a sister-in-law, Lynn (Barry) Banes.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Linda’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to her heart.