Linda Lou Zent

Linda Lou Zent, age 76 of Edison, OH, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Friday, January 23, 2026, after an almost 10-year journey with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

Linda was born in Marion on June 18,1949 to Edward and Violetta (Lindeman) Collins. Linda married Donald Zent and they spent 40 loving years together before he passed away on June 1, 2025. Linda Graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1967. She worked for Marion City Schools, Tri-Rivers Career Center and Intro Corp. Linda was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Linda worked very hard to provide for her children, from staying up all night to make costumes for them on Halloween to spending countless days at the ball park, she always supported them in whatever adventure they were on. Linda never knew a stranger - she could strike up a conversation with anyone and usually walk away with a new friend. Linda had such a caring heart and she was always willing to help anyone out in need - even if she had no clue what she was doing, she would always figure it out. Linda knew the value of hard work, which she instilled in her children with her famous line "Let's get it done!". Linda loved spending time with her family, from summer cookouts to trips to Mohican State Park. She loved it when all the family would be together at Christmas. Linda was a fabulous cook and she made the best homemade eggnog and pecan pies. Linda enjoyed cooking, crocheting and, in the summer, gardening and sitting on the porch swing, drinking coffee.

Linda will be dearly missed by her children, Thomas E. (Amy) Phillips Jr of Sycamore, Sarah G. (James) Lynch of Edison and Norman K. (Lori) Phillips of Marion; her grandchildren, Jimmy (Samantha) McGinnis Jr, Kelsie Phillips, Kyle Phillips, Alexis Phillips, Mackenzie Phillips, Jordan Lynch, Victoria Phillips, Madison Moony, Makayla Roettger, Noah Roettger; her five great-grandchildren; her brothers, Edward Collins of Georgia and Arthur Collins of Marion; her sisters-in-law, Shirley Morgan of Findlay and Judee Greenslait-Beatty of Las Vegas; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents, Edward and Violetta; her children, Rick and Marcy Zent; and her uncle, Norman Lindeman.

Linda's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Capital City Hospice the loving, compassionate care they provided, with special mention to CeeCee, Toni, Chantel, Allysa, Laurie, Lisa, Emily and Chaplin Will.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve the Zent family; condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com