Linda Stapleton

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Linda Stapleton who departed this life with her children by her side on December 27, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in Dayton, Ohio, on October 1, 1944, Linda’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering loyalty, affection, and deep Christian faith.

Linda was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her remarkable devotion to her family and her generous spirit. She is survived by her cherished children: Tonya Rosell, Dawn (Tim) Selby, and James Stapleton, as well as her grandchildren: Tesha, Fred, Brad, Taylor, Eireann, Maire, and Morrigan, and her cousin, Nancy (Ron) Nichols.

A long-time resident and proud graduate of Springboro High School, Linda's formative years were spent cultivating a deep appreciation for nature. Her passion for the outdoors manifested in many ways; she volunteered as a Naturalist for the Dayton Metroparks, where her enthusiasm for nature flourished. Linda's love for birdwatching was paralleled only by her profound love for cats—a pastime she cherished immensely and happily passed down to her children, fostering a lasting connection to the beauty of the natural world.

A graveside service will be held in her honor on January 2, 2026, at Woodhill Cemetery in Franklin, Ohio, providing family and friends an opportunity to pay their respects and share loving memories. The service will begin at 2:00 PM.

Linda is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Stapleton, as well as her parents, Gladys and James Blackford, and her beloved grandmother, Fairy Baker, in eternal peace. Let us honor her legacy by carrying forward the values and passions she embodied.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Linda to a local cat shelter of your choice.