Linda D. (Beach) Smith, 79, of Galion (formerly of Bucyrus), met Jesus on November 20, 2022, from complications of Alzheimer’s. Linda was born on August 23, 1943 to Myrtle Elaine (Stone) Beach and Clarence D. Beach in Galion Ohio. A graduate of Galion High School class of 1961; and a recipient of a full academic scholarship from the North Electric Company, she received a bachelors’ degree in education from The Ohio State University in 1964.
Linda spent over 20 years teaching in school districts including Xenia, Kettering, Mansfield Christian, Galion High School, and Upper Sandusky Schools. Additionally, Linda partnered with her husband and supported his entrepreneurial endeavors at Baja Marine and Checkmate Powerboats.
Linda met her love Douglas C. Smith (Bucyrus) at the First Baptist Church in Galion as a young teen. They would date through their high school and college years and would go on to be married on June 27, 1964. Their 2 children, Courtney (Rhonda) Smith, Soddy Daisy, TN, and Dee Ann (Dominic) Colaizzi, Gibsonia, PA. Doug and Linda would also raise a niece Kerrie (Joseph) Sheaffer, Port Charlotte, FL. Linda will be lovingly remembered by Doug, her husband of 57 years, their children, twin brothers, Dan (Shelly) Beach, Dave (Susanna) Beach, sister-in-law Sharon (Bob) Coons, a special niece Betsianne Beach, who gave extra love and care to her in this last season of life, and several other beloved nieces and nephews.
She will forever be known as GaGa to grandchildren: Douglas (Karlee) Smith, Lindsay Cate Smith, Libby Caroline Smith, Davis Smith, Dekker Smith, LillyAnn Smith, Denton Smith, many great nieces and nephews and two great grandchildren, Remington and Champion Smith.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Jon D. Beach, sister Carolyn A. Lewis, and nephew Samuel J. Koch, II. Linda’s faith in Jesus Christ was always a priority. She played the piano in church, taught Bible studies, and studied God’s Word. Linda lived out her faith, which was demonstrated through her servant heart, compassion, and love for others. She would want everyone she encountered to walk away knowing that God loves them and there is a place in heaven for those who believe. She enjoyed traveling, reading, singing, playing the piano, memorizing scripture, long walks, and time with family; she loved card games with her grandchildren, hosting holiday gatherings, her family heritage, history and worshipping at the Bucyrus Nazarene Church. She was always up for hot coffee and anything chocolate.
She had a calming presence and a perspective that left anyone she encountered blessed. She made even hard things seem effortless. We are eternally grateful for the example she set before us. We take comfort knowing she is home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A special thank you to the loving staff at Signature Healthcare of Galion and Kindred Hospice of Marion; we cannot begin to express our deepest gratitude for your overwhelming love and quality of care you extended to our precious Linda.
Calling hours will be December 17, 2022, 10:30 – 12:00, with a celebration of Life at 12:00; at the Bucyrus Church of the Nazarene, 2165 Route 4, Bucyrus, Oh 44820. In Leiu of flowers a donation can be made to Young Life of Crawford County, Bucyrus Church of the Nazarene.