Linda Helen Frary
Linda Helen Frary, age 69, of Shelby, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at her home. Her death follows a year long battle with ALS.
Linda was born June 13, 1954 in Reading, PA to the late Roy Edgerton and Geraldine Ann (Bogart) Hansen. A 1972 graduate of Rogers High School in Michigan City, IN, she married Richard Leslie “Rick” Frary on February 1, 1975. Lin worked as an administrative assistant to numerous attorneys in both Indiana and additionally in Ohio following their move for Rick’s job.
Lin began working at the Richland County Court of the Common Pleas in 1993. She functioned as the court administrator for the General Division of the Richland County Court of Common Pleas, serving Judge James D. Henson, Judge James DeWeese and Magistrate Garry Dalbey from 1996 to 2001. She also worked directly for Judge Henson from 2001 to 2004. In 2004 she ran for Richland County Clerk of Courts and became the face of the Richland County Clerk of Courts for nearly two decades, winning five different four-year terms in office. After winning the seat in 2004, Frary was re-elected in 2008, winning 58 percent of the vote in the November general election. She was unopposed in 2012, 2016 and 2020. Lin remained as Clerk of Courts until June 30, 2023 when she retired due to her ALS diagnosis.
Linda was dedicated entirely to family and work. It was not worth trying to win an argument with her- you simply could not; and she truly had such a successful life and career built from her high school education. She was an active and dedicated member of the Richland County Republican Party and was a member of the Ohio Clerk of Courts Association (OCCA). With OCCA, Lin was an integral part of the new clerk orientation program. She was a lover of the Great Lakes, especially Erie and Michigan, and took every chance she could to take her grandchildren to Vermillion.
Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Rick; children: Jeff (Ginny) Frary of Crestline, Allen Frary of Columbus, Nate Frary (Rachel Shepherd) of Shelby and Lydia Dennin of Shelby; grandchildren: Zoe Frary, Damon Frary, and Camren Dennin; siblings: Laura Hansen Dean of Indianapolis, Nancy Riordan of Indianapolis, and Mike (Sue) Hansen of Atlanta; and several nieces, nephews, and special friends.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875. Graveside services will be private on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at North Oregon Cemetery, Oregon, Ohio. Pastor Dan Peterson will officiate the graveside services. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio (www.hospiceofnorthcentralohio.org/support-us/memorial-donation) or ALS Association (www.als.org/donate).
Online condolences may be left on Linda’s obituary post on the funeral home’s website (www.PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
To view Lin’s Tribute Video, click the provided link: Linda Helen Frary’s Tribute Video
Words cannot express the loss of Lin just so many people. She just had that way about her with others lives,professional and personally, I remember the first time meeting her at the bedside of one of my sick relatives. We asked who she was and she said a friend of the sick person. That was over 30 years ago and she became a part of our family ever sine then. Rest in peace our family friend.
I can’t be with you during this difficult time but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Lin was a true friend and I was blessed to have her as a part of my life. Knowing she is at peace hopefully will bring some comfort to all of her family and friends. She will be missed. Godspeed dear Lin
I’m so sorry. So many fond memories with our children growing up. Prayers to you all for comfort and many hugs.
Rick, I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family during this time. Prayers, my friend.
Lydia,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your awesome mother. The three of us shared many fun times together many years ago. I’ve always known that your mother could do anything she wanted in life and she proved that many times over. She was a blessing to everyone she met. You are your mother’s daughter in the most wonderful of ways and I know you will carry on her legacy. Prayers for the family for wisdom, comfort and strength. Heaven is now a better place, because Linda is there, healthy and whole…
Rick and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You have my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Rest in peace Lin, you will be missed by many!!
I am so sorry to hear of Lin’s passing. Although we have not kept in touch our families have deep roots. I believe my parents introduced your parents to each other. Our mom’s were nursing students together with a life long bond. Now all are together in the Lord’s hands. My prayers for the Hansen/Frary family are for peace and comfort. RIP Linda
Bob & I are so saddened for all who hold Linda dear in heart… As her life is recalled and Linda celebrated, may memories ease the deep grief… Grief is deep when love is deep. Bob & I treasure the Auburn, Indiana, years together with Linda and Rick and are so grateful friendship paths crossed and we walked together for all those times of laughter and joys, tears and challenges, craziness, and memories made. …Rick and family, may you feel how you are surrounded with love and caring.
Dearest Rick, Lyd, Allen, Nate and Damon: I am heartbroken over Linda’s death. I already miss my smart, witty, talented sister! Over my 45 years with Mike Hansen, Lin’s little brother, she was a role model for me. I watched and learned so much from Linda, especially as a very young 17 year old girl engaged to her baby brother. I saw her in labor with Allen, her first born. She was so brave and had a pretty easy delivery. Even though it was seemless, what I witnessed gave me the insight to wait 6 years before I had our son, Sean. I watched her move many times and creatively turn the houses into homes, teasing her about her famous sponge painting. I watched Linda run for office in elections in Ohio and win over and over again. She was fearless, and she carried that with her through her last battle with ALS. She loved her family and her husband Rick with every piece of her. She was larger than life! She will be missed!
I am so sorry to hear this news. I served as Delaware County Common Pleas Clerk from 2001 through 2016 and grew to admire Lin very much as we worked together in the Clerks’ Association. My sincere sympathy and prayers to her family and many, many friends.
Jan Antonoplos
Linda and I go way back. She baby Sat my girls and I baby sat her boys.
We had many a conversation at her table or at my table. I will always cherish her friendship. She will be missed by everyone who passed through her life. My most sincere sympathy go out to Rick, Allen, Nathan Lydia, Jeff and all sisters and brother.
Rick, Allen, Nathan and Lydia,
Linda was a light who touched many people. Her laughter is one I will never forget. may the Lord hold you in this time of grief. Much love to all!
Rick and Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of Lin. I served as Clerk of Courts in Geauga County until retirement at the end of 2020 and enjoyed our time together at monthly meetings and conferences.
She was so much fun and we enjoyed our time laughing together. I enjoyed all of her stories tremendously! Her sense of humor was like no one else and I will miss her friendship! She was a great person and touched the lives of many.
Sincerely,
Denise
Laura- Words cannot ease the sorrow of losing your sister, but know others care. We are thinking of you and your extended family. Her obituary suggests a full and purposeful life. ❤️
God bless you,
Matt, Karen, Preston and Olivia Headley
Rest in peace Linda. As a friend of your daughter Lydia I’ve seen her love for you and heard many stories. You’ll be dearly missed.
Sending much love to the Frary Clan in the USA from the Frarys in the UK. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Rick-I am sorry to hear about Linda. She was always helpful to me.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Cheryl Depler
Rick, I am sorry for your loss. may the peace of God, family and friends comfort you.Sorry I am not available to attend calling hours. Lorin Weaver.
I was so sorry to see that Lin has passed. I met Lin while she was working in the courts for Judge Henson. My dad, Smokey Stover, worked with her. He thought so much of Lin and loved working with her. She was so kind whenever I came up to the court to see Dad. When Dad got so ill she was always there to make us feel better. Love and hugs to all of you.
Rick and family so sorry for your loss. She was so sweet. I took care of her when Heritage Home Health Care had her.
Rick we are so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about Lin’s passing. I used to work for Richland Newhope in the microfilming dept filming the court records. She was always so nice and friendly to everyone.
Lin and I had many pleasant discussions in the political arena over the years, and I appreciated her candor and her help during my time in politics. It’s hard to see someone so dedicated leave us, but she did a great deal while she was in office for her community, and she had a strong family driven ethic that permeated those she was around. My condolences to all family and friends of this terrific woman.