Linda L. Smith

Linda L. Smith, 85 of New Concord, passed away peacefully at Genesis Hospital on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Linda was born on July 3, 1940, in High Hill, Ohio. She is the daughter of the late Charlie and Wilma (Sharkey) Johnson. Linda was a 1959 graduate of New Concord High School, where she met the love of her life, Charles “Bill” W. Smith, during a Sadie Hawkins Dance—a moment that sparked a lifelong love.

Linda’s high school years were marked by many achievements. She was crowned Homecoming Queen in 1959 and also honored as the Nicolian Queen, Land of Lakes Queen, and FFA Queen, a testament to her vibrant spirit and kind nature.

After graduation, Linda began her professional career at First National Bank before joining Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Company. But perhaps her greatest act of service came through her role as a foster parent. With a generous and nurturing heart, Linda opened her home to 53 foster children over the years, offering them stability, love, and hope for a better future.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Linda dedicated her life to her family. She and Bill raised four children together, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. The family was actively involved in church life, attending Maranatha Bible Church in Zanesville—where Linda taught Sunday School—before later joining Cambridge Bible Church, and most recently, Westwood Baptist Church in Zanesville.

In her later years, Linda found joy in caring for her grandchildren. She was ever-present in their lives—babysitting, baking, cheering from the sidelines at their sporting events, hosting sleepovers, and even organizing sleigh rides. Each grandchild shared a special bond with her, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Linda’s legacy is one of faith, compassion, and unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Linda is survived by her husband of sixty four years, Bill Smith, whom she married on December 31, 1959; her children, Cynthia (Ron Holzopfel) Smith, William (Debbie) Smith, and Dana (Tina) Smith; her grandchildren, Heather (Robbie), Chris, Amanda (Chad), Ryan (Courtney), Katina, Nikki (Billy), Dustin (Stacey), Justin (Nikki), and Kierstin (Billy); her many great-grandchildren; her siblings, Bob (Barb) Johnson, Donnie (Jenny) Johnson, and Bonnie (Lloyd) Pruitt; her special fluffy friend, Frankie; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Linda is preceded in death by her daughter, Melanie Smith-Flesher; her great-grandson, Dylan Maust; as well as her brother, Larry Johnson.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Genesis Hospital’s CCU Staff for the compassionate care and support for Linda during this time.

Visitations for Linda will be held from 4 PM to 7 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Farus Funeral Home of New Concord. A funeral service will be held the following day at 11 AM at the funeral home. Pastor Steve Chaney will officiate the funeral service. Linda will be laid to rest at Bloomfield Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

www.farusfh.com