Linda Dillow Vance

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Linda Vance, age 85, a cherished soul whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew her. She battled bravely with a brief and overwhelming diagnosis of cancer. Born on October 22, 1939, in Ashland, Kentucky.

Linda is preceded in death by her father Linzie Dillow, mother Elizabeth Evelyn Dillow, and her sisters Doris and Shirley. At the age of 17 she went on a blind date with a young man named Norman Thomas Vance. Their love for each other grew and after he came home from serving in the US Air Force, they married on July 30, 1959. Just last month they celebrated 66 years of marriage. They relocated to Pickerington, Ohio and started a family with the birth of their son Michael Craig Vance in 1963.

Linda pursued a career of 30 years with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Flight Standards office in Columbus, Ohio. She retired in 1998. Norman and Linda supported many veterans' groups. Linda was a member of the American Legion Post 283 Auxiliary, a social member of the VFW Post 9473, AMVETS Auxiliary, Fraternal Order of Eagles 2801, Ohio State Moose Association 2321, Legion Riders Charter Member, and recently patched by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association as an Auxiliary member.

Linda loved to watch sports especially football. Her favorite college teams were the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Kentucky Wildcats. Her greatest passion though was for the Cleveland Browns. As a life-long fan she would keep a transistor radio handy in case the Browns game was not televised.

Through the years Norman and Linda traveled with friends all over the country on their Harley Davidson. She was reminiscing and laughing with friends just recently on all the stories and memories that had been made. Linda also loved her furry felines, always wanting to adopt a kitty and provided a healthy loving home for them. But Linda's greatest joy was the birth of her granddaughter, Katelyn Mae Vance, in 1999. Linda loved spending time with Katie and was super proud of the young lady she had become.

Linda is survived by her husband of 66 years, Norman Thomas Vance, son Michael Craig Vance, and granddaughter Katelyn Mae Vance. She leaves behind so many friends that will miss her fiercely. Though she is no longer with us in body, her presence will forever linger in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday August 30th from 4-7pm at the American Legion Post 283, 7725 Refugee Rd, Pickerington OH 43147.

To send condolences or share memories visit www.Pfeifer-Woodyard.com