Linda June Gayheart, age 80, of Shelby, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, whom she knew intimately, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. Her graduation into Heaven was peaceful.
Born September 10, 1944 in Willard to the late Frank and Marguerite (Boardman) Pitzen, Linda graduated in 1962 from Plymouth High School. Linda worked at numerous places throughout her life, touching many people through various forms of ministry. A true servant of God, always answering His call with a vibrant “Yes!”
Although Linda endured many struggles in this life, her faith never wavered, giving glory to God through it all. Throughout her short 80 years on this earth, Linda knew no stranger- if she met you, she loved you. Her heart shone with generosity that she freely gave out. She was a refuge to many, always putting others first.
Linda was a devout Christian, even when physically unable to attend services. She cherished sharing her love for Lakeside, Ohio, which she considered a second home. Linda had many memories of spending summers with her mother at Lakeside for retreats, being raised in a deeply religious home, which ultimately, she passed on to those she loved. The testimony of how she lived on this earth was apparent with her family, friends, and “all” of her children- both biological and adopted, that would frequently visit and stayed vigil by her bedside this past month as she fought a good fight.
Although her home was modest; her door was always open, her table was always plentiful, and her beds were frequently filled with those who may have had a need. She turned down no one. There was not a day when you entered her home, that overflowing bags of gifts and food did not line her hallway in preparation to give out. She relished gift giving, especially birthdays and Christmas- including holiday gift towels.
When Linda was not caring for others, she was busy sharing pictures of her grandchildren, loving her cat, Twinkle, and gardening. Her outside was always plentiful with flowers, which she so beautifully tended to, and she found joy in giving away a plethora of mums annually. Linda had a soft spot for Snoopy, found joy in the beauty of a sunset, and her sweet and savory taste buds could barely keep her away from lemon meringue pie or potato chips. The Food Network, HGTV, and Magnolia TV certainly kept her occupied as well.
Her passing will leave a void in so many hearts and lives that her servant’s heart touched. We should all be so blessed to have a Linda June in our lives.
Surviving are her daughters: Janna Norris (fiancé, Mark Ballou) of Bellville, Linnea (Jeff) Gold of Newark, and Erika (Steve) Risser of Lexington; grandchildren: Scott (Melody) Norris, Andrew Norris (Nicole Herring), Kaitlin Gold, Emily Gold, Lauren Risser, and Liam Risser; great-grandchildren: Abel Norris and Cassian Norris; numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends, including: Marlene Turson and Janet Hockenberry; and the plethora of people who fondly referred to her as “Aunt Linda” or “Mom”.
In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her sisters: Holly Pugh, Georgianna Berberick-Boardman, and Jeannie Predieri.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, October 28, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 11 am at LifePoint Community Church, 260 Riggs Street, Plymouth, OH 44865 with Pastor Rich Hurles officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Plymouth. In remembrance of Linda the family encourages everyone to wear her favorite color, blue.
Online condolences may be left on Linda’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com