Linda D. Haring of Mansfield died at the age of 83 on June 21, 2024 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital after a short illness. She was born on July 29, 1940 in Rochester, NY to Dr. George and Mercedes Shaller Dacks. She was married to Dr. Frederick Haring on July 21, 1961 at 12 Corners Presbyterian Church in Rochester. They had six children together: Andrew (Etsuko) Haring, Kristen Haring, David (Jill) Haring, Frederick (Patty) Haring, Nathan Haring, Melinda (Mike) Killian. And eight grandchildren: Misa, Nicholas, Max, Audrey, Maddox, David, Grace and Kira. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Mercedes and son, Nathan.
Linda was a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was an accomplished singer and knitter and loved her family. She was a member of Ontario Christian Fellowship, past President of Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club of America. 1993 winner of “Best of Breed” Norwich Terrier and 3 years later winner of “Best of Breed Norfolk Terrier” at the Westminster Dog show.
But Linda’s worldly accomplishments did not compare to the impact she had on her family and friends. She would often say, “I sell dogs, but I’m really in the people business.” To Linda, getting to know people from different walks of life and developing lasting relationships was her calling, She used face-to-face afternoon cups of tea, dinner gatherings and the world’s last surviving “landline” (no cell phone, never sent an email) to nurture human connection and make sure people felt loved and appreciated.
Her superpower was the gift of sincere encouragement. She had a unique ability to help people dust themselves off and get back on life’s dancefloor. The ultimate cheerleader who never wore a uniform. And she wasn’t afraid to say the hard thing if she felt someone needed to hear it, always steeped in love. In a world riddled with imposters, Linda was the North Star of authenticity.
Perhaps, her greatest accomplishment was her 62-year marriage to Fritz. She was always faithful and devoted to him. They didn’t stay together because they were “supposed to.” They truly loved each other and complimented each other’s gifts and weaknesses. The complete package that happens when two become one. She once told her son, after 50 years of marriage, that her heart still fluttered in joy when Fritz walked in the door.
All of her tenacity, devotion and love for people was powered by an unshakeable faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. As her life was coming to a close, Linda was confident that she would soon be in heaven. She said “I’ve been saying my whole life that I believe in God and heaven. I’m certainly not abandoning that faith now. I’m at total peace in leaving this world.” She trusted God to take care of her family and was ready to sail to the final hope she worked so hard to encourage others with. She will be missed on this side of heaven!
P.S. Linda wanted to send special thanks to all the caregivers at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, many of whom she knew by name. She truly felt comforted and well taken care of by all of you!
Calling hours will be Thursday July 11, 2024 at Snyder Funeral Home Lexington Ave. from 5:00
– 7:00 PM. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on July 12, 2024 in the chapel of Crossroads Church, 640 Lexington Springmill Rd.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to The Friendly House or the Mansfield area YMCA.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Linda’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on her obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com