Linda Belcher of West Unity, Ohio, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 7, 2022.
She was born on March 6, 1948, daughter of the late Willis and Lillie (Short) Nofziger.
Linda is survived by the love of her life, Mick Belcher, and their children Erik (Angie) Belcher of Napoleon, Ohio, Kristin Parker of Glencoe, Illinois, and Brooke Belcher (Tammy Shain) of Evanston, Illinois; grandchildren Bryce and Blaine Belcher, Evan, Averie, and Aricka Lutz, and Benjamin, William and Lily Parker; brothers Keith (Marlene) Nofziger of Rotunda, Florida, Don Nofziger (Anne) Nofziger of Cincinnati, Ohio and sister Shelba Nofziger of Archbold, Ohio; sister and brother in-laws Loretta Nofziger, Mary Ellen Nofziger, Sherrie Daugherty, and Rocky and Mary Bridges; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Gayle Leichty, and Connie Frey, her brothers and brothers-in-law Delmer and Marvin Nofziger, Donald Frey, Myrle Leichty, Jim Belcher, Larry Kerby, and William Daugherty, and her in-laws Bill and Andrea Belcher.
Linda was a ray of sunshine and everyone who knew her loved her. She welcomed everyone with her beautiful smile, kind heart, and giving nature.
She was a loving mother, not only to her children but also to their friends. She opened her home to all and if anyone left her house hungry it was their own fault.
She was known to spend late nights typing science fair papers, cheering on her childrens’ high school and college sports teams, and encouraging everyone who would listen to her to continue with their education.
It was a point of pride for her that all of her children had earned doctorate degrees – in education, law, and medicine.
Linda was the most loving grandmother to all eight of her grandchildren and they adored her.
She enjoyed attending their school events, making cakes for their birthdays and graduations, finding them any gadget they might need, and sending daily affirmations of love.
She was a wonderful cook and always gave the best hugs. She organized and hosted a Nofziger family reunion every year, a time she was grateful to connect with her brothers and sisters and their families.
Linda was a continuous learner and teaching was her calling. She taught at Bryan City Schools for over thirty years during which time she no doubt positively impacted the lives of numerous children.
Linda had countless friends, both lifelong and more recent. She could connect with anyone – whether she was sitting next to them on a plane, at a football game, or in church.
Linda had a knack for bringing people together and her friends treasured her.
She enjoyed biking, swimming and boating at her homes in Michigan and Florida. She delighted in showering her friends and family with acts of kindness.
Perhaps Linda’s greatest attributes were her unwavering faith in God and the partnership she had with Mick, her beloved husband of fifty-five years.
Mick and Linda met in high school and were married in 1967 at age nineteen in Stryker, Ohio when they were both still in college.
They shared a deep love and respect for one another that lasted a lifetime. Neither one could have asked for a better life partner and the bond they shared was a blessing to behold.
Linda embodied love and will be missed by all who knew her.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.
Visitation will held on December 2, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and a celebration of life will be held on December 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., both at the United Methodist Church in West Unity, Ohio with a fellowship after the service.
Memorial gifts honoring Linda Belcher can be made to the Belcher Family Scholarship Fund care of the Bryan Area Foundation either via mail (P.O. Box 651, Bryan, OH 43506) or online by using the “Donate Now” button at https://www.bryanareafoundation.org/