Linda Smith

Linda Susan (Becker) Smith, 76, of Hilliard, Ohio, passed away on November 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on January 16, 1949, in Dover, Ohio to William and Mildred (Lightel) Becker, who surely greeted her with open arms, along with her older brother William and son Scott.

She met the love of her life, Jeff Smith, while working at WBTC radio in Uhrichsville, Ohio and they wed on June 27, 1970, and together they built a family in Columbus, Ohio rooted in devotion, humor, and “everyone come over, there’s plenty to eat.” She was the proud mother of two children; Scott William Smith (1/17/1975–5/24/2015) and Nicole Rene’ Smith (born 11/21/1977). She adored her grandchildren, Levi Michael Smith and Alyssa Kate (Smith) Tran, and delighted in her two great-granddaughters, Raelynn Dolores Smith and Ella Noelle Tran.

She was a devoted wife and mother. Her home was always open, always warm, and always stocked with enough food and quilts to comfort an army. She was always happiest with a house full of beloved family, laughter and love.

She worked for years in traffic at WBTC and WJER radio stations in New Philadelphia and Dover, Ohio; WMNI radio and Channel 6 television in Columbus; and later over 20 years as the executive assistant at The Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association.

A gifted and passionate quilter, she stitched love into every piece she made leaving gifts that will continue wrapping her family in her presence for years to come. She loved watching The Chosen, cherished her Bible studies, and lived her Christian faith with a steady, gentle strength.

The Smiths spent many beloved years camping and visiting historic places all over the US, which in later years turned into “glamping” and eventually she and Jeff also treasured their winter months in Florida, where she built lifelong friendships, soaked up sunshine, and probably converted half the RV resortinto honorary family members.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of faith, hospitality, and hand-stitched love lives on in every person she touched.

A Celebration of life will be held on January 16, 2026 at Riverside Global Methodist Church. 2701 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in Linda’s memory to the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, FL. https://centerforgreatapes.org/donate.