Linda Darlene Laiben, 83, of Hematite died Feb. 2, 2026, at her home. Ms. Laiben was a hairdresser by trade, learning the profession under Leonard Farmer in the 1970’s. When completing salon school, she was hired by “Mr. Leonard’s” in Clayton. From there, she worked at the “Hair Store” in Festus, eventually co-owning the salon. Her greatest endeavor was opening a salon in the Park Plaza Hotel named “The Plaza Salon.” Later, she opened another salon called “Hair We Are” on Festus Main Street. In 1991, she and Barney opened the “Laiben School of Cosmetology” in Festus, where she worked as an instructor. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, of which her daughter, Tish, has been pastor since 2017. She loved horses and dogs and couldn’t resist rescuing a stray. Born Jan. 5, 1943, in Festus, she was the middle daughter of Orien “Ora” and Beulah (McIver) Bryant.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Bernard “Barney” Laiben Sr.
She is survived by three children: Paige (Becky Capps) Laiben, Bernard Laiben Jr. and the Rev. Dr. Tish (James) Green; a grandson: Levi “Jake” Green; her longtime companion: John H. Graham; a sister: Sandra (James) Henson; two sisters-law-in-law: Ruth Ann (the late Charles) Becker and Joyce (the late Fred) Laiben; and many nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by a sister: Jacyoln “Jackie” (the late Francis) Wynn.
Visitation is scheduled from 3 p.m. until a funeral service at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, officiated by Pastor Leslie Limbaugh of Selma American Baptist Church. A graveside service and interment will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.