Linda June Gayheart
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).
To view Linda’s tribute video click here: Linda’s tribute video.
I am sorry for your family’s loss , prayers at this difficult time
Prayers and peace. We will miss this beautiful soul who loved and lived as Christ would have us live.
My deepest condolences.
As a family member thru marriage, and of similar age, I’ve seen Linda “in action” over the past 25 years. If I’ve ever met a “saint on earth”, she is the one. Her endless thoughtfulness and caring for others, and especially for her family members, was so totally self less. She lived with a love for others that was wonderful to see and receive. We’ve lost a wonderful woman..
To Linda’s family,
What a blessing to have this sweet woman as your mother! She and Jeannie babysat me when I was little and I loved them both! Your mom always greeted me with a huge hug and a smile! The is a special angel in heaven today!
Many fond memories of Aunt Linda out at the Gayheart ranch back in the day when we were kids. She seemed to find a way to make everyone she encountered feel special with no effort. She will surely be missed. My condolences to all her family.
She will be missed for sure. My condolences to the family. My prayers are with all of you as she is in Heaven with her Savior. I will never forget my days as a kid going to her house with the Gayheart boys.
Everytime I seen her she had a smile on her face. She radiated warmth and compassion. It was impossible to walk away from her without feeling the love she felt for those around her. Such a sweet sweet soul.
Linda had a real and active faith in Jesus. Linda and my mom were great friends.
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I am sure that both of them are enjoying heaven now. Prayers for the family and friends. We say good by for now, but with real faith in Jesus this good by is not forever.
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a special lady. Prayers to all
We are holding you close to our hearts, hugging you tight. Aunt Linda was so kind and wonderful. She is healthy again, praise, amen amen. She is with our Lord and her parents and sisters in Heaven. Losing your Mom is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. Your Moms goodness, her unending love, and her wisdom are a legacy that will never leave you. You are her legacy of love. She is always with you in the memories you hold dear in your heart. Mother’s hold their children’s hands for a while, but their hearts forever. Love you all. XOXO
Our condolences to all the family. Linda June was a sweet & kind Angel here on earth. We will miss her greatly Rest in peace Linda June. Much sympathy, Love & prayers. Bill, Kathy & Kyle Stanton and Kristin & Ted Cothern
Linnea, Janna, and Ericka and family ….deepest condolences and prayers for all at this time. Her life will be remembered by all she touched.