Linda M. Dowalter, 72 of Bellville passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024 in Marion, Ohio from injuries sustained in a tragic accident. She was born on May 19, 1952 to the late Bert and Lucille (Bowen) Dial.
Linda was a 1970 graduate of Marion Harding High School. She retired in 2022 with 38 years of service with the Morral Companies. Following retirement, she relocated to Bellville and became the proud driver of “Gigi’s School Bus” taking all the kids to and from school and daycare and always stopping for ice cream. She enjoyed the time she spent driving “Gigi’s Bus”, she saw it as a special time with her great grand kids.
Linda loved fiercely and selflessly. To be loved by Linda meant you knew you always had an unwavering supporter in your corner, there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her family. Her love had no boundaries. She had a stunning smile that could light up a room or make anyone’s day better. Linda was the strongest, most determined, selfless person you will ever meet. She lived to take care of others, working endlessly to make sure the people she loved were taken care of and provided for no matter the cost.
She was not only a mother to 3, a grandmother of 8, a great grandmother of 5, she was the bonus parent and Gigi to so many others. She was proud of each of her “kids” and never hesitated to share with them or anyone that would listen how proud she was of their accomplishments. One of her greatest attributes was giving. She gave more to the people in her life than most can say they have ever received. Be it laughter, a kind word, conversation, the clothes out of her own closet she gave without hesitation expecting nothing in return. She was excited for you if you needed her to be excited, she cried with you if you needed a shoulder to cry on, she gave in all areas.
Linda is survived by her children, Amy (Todd) Carpenter, Christopher (Sarah) Pinnick, and Autumn (Johnny Melaragno) Cline; grandchildren, Chelsea (Tyler Mickley) Prosser, Curtis (Emma Wolford) Carpenter, McAilah (Rekwon Boyd) Spaulding, Christopher (Ellie Black) Pinnick, Donavan Pinnick, Brycen Spaulding, Hayden Foltz, Lily Pinnick; great grandchildren, Sophia Carpenter, Kinsley Prosser, Everlea Carpenter, Talen Mickley and Skylynn Spaulding; siblings; Steve (Pam) Dial, Sandy (Richard Lust), and Nancy (Al) Deloye; several nieces and nephews; and her four legged companion Misty Mae.
Giving the greatest gift of all the gift of life, her 7 and 1 year old great granddaughters are with us today because of her selfless act of heroism ensuring her legacy would live on for generations to come. While her leaving comes as a huge shock and deep wound that is felt by her entire family and countless others, we know God told her, her work on earth is done and called her home to rest. We love you to the moon and back.
The family will receive friends from 11 am until the time of a funeral service at 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Fredericktown Chapel, 33 East College St., Fredericktown, Ohio with Pastor Marvin Haught officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Cemetery.
In lie of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Columbus Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk- Team Caden’s Dudes.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Homes are honored to serve the family of Linda M. Dowalter.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home, Fredericktown
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com