Linda Martin, 78, of Waterloo, died Monday, November 2, 2026, at her home, from cancer. She was born October 1, 1948, in Waterloo, daughter of Thomas and Dorris (Dawley) Riley. She attended Waterloo West High School.

Linda married Jeffrey Martin in 1968. They married again in 2008 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She worked as a CNA for 25 years, and then operated Lindy’s Daycare, an in-home daycare at her home.

Linda was a member of Heartland Vinyard Church, and a true Christian. She helped anyone she could, would provide meals for those she knew needed them, and was a long-time bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Her hobbies included watching TV, especially the Hallmark channel, and being involved in church productions. She loved her German Shepards Rusty and Buddy and maintained a large aquarium in her home.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff of Waterloo; her sons: Jeffrey B and his wife Lisa of Des Moines, Robbie A Martin of Norwalk; adopted son Jeffrey D Martin of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren: Gavin, Alyssa, Katelyn, and Sarah; and sisters Robin Riley of Cedar Falls, and Kathy Riley of La Porte City. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Locke Garden View Chapel, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Heartland Vinyard Church.