Linda Louise Hardwick

Linda Louise Hardwick, 84, of New Castle, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, March 13, 2026. She was born February 22, 1942, in New Castle, Indiana, to the late Herchel and Stella (Van Meter) Nash.

Linda was a 1960 graduate of Walter P. Chrysler High School and was a longtime member of both the New Castle Eagles and Moose Lodges. She worked for many years at Brooks Canning Factory and later served as a cook at the New Castle Eagles Lodge. In her earlier years, Linda worked as a cook at the Bun Boy Café on Brown Road in New Castle, where she met her future husband, Paul Hardwick. She also sold Avon. 

Linda enjoyed cooking, completing crossword puzzles and watching mystery and comedy shows. She was an avid reader and especially loved spending time with her family. Linda also had a passion for horses and enjoyed following horse racing. 

Linda is survived by her children, Teresa Smith (Kevin Baker) of Lewisville, Sheryl Abrams of New Castle, Mark (Lynette) Hardwick of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Carrie Hardwick (Jeff), Gary Smith (Brandi), Paul Stockton (Liz), Brandy Wilkinson (Floyd), Summer Williamson, Jonathan Hardwick, Anna Hardwick; grand-dog, Daisy Duke; 5 generations of great and great-great grandchildren;15 great grandchildren, 4 great great-grandchildren: Taylor Hardeman of Knightstown, Hayley Hardeman of Knightstown, Morgan Smith of New Castle, Tyrus Stockton of Indianapolis, Isaiah Wilkinson of Indianapolis, Nate Jones of Ft. Wayne, Trinity Wilkinson of New Castle, Jacob Wilkinson of New Castle, Wynter Fahnestock of Olympia, WA, Aiden Smith of New Castle, Spring Fahnestock of Olympia, WA Riley Logan of Carthage, Brody Logan of Carthage, Bently Smith of Carthage, Kross Shepard of Lima, Ohio, Tayley Smith of Knightstown, Kingston Graves of Knightstown, Nora Graves of Knightstown, Brinleigh Graves of Knightstown and Teagan Bowling of Knightstown; also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Hardwick; son-in-law, Gary “Dink” Smith; daughter-in-law, Rosanne Hardwick; grandson, Dustin Smith; great grandson, Bishop Wilkinson; siblings, Robert, Leslie, Ronald and Donald Nash, Alois “Pete” Laboyteaux, Lavonne (Bob) Guffey and Claudia (Pete) Gann.

Services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Dave Branham officiating. Burial will follow in Mooreland Cemetery. Visitations will be from 1:00pm until the time of service on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be given to the Henry County Humane Society. You may express condolences or share memories of Linda at www.hinsey-brown.com.