Linda M. Stephens

Linda M. Stephens, age 61, of New Philadelphia, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Linda was born on October 29, 1964 in Dover, to Lloyd and Sarah (Roseberry) Stephens. After graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1983, Linda went on to become a home health aide, caring for many people, including her own family. Those she cared for became family, and she welcomed them all into her heart. As reflected in her career path, Linda was an extremely and passionately caring person who lived to serve others endlessly. She never hesitated to lend a helping hand, and was reliable almost to a fault. Though she was somewhat unpredictable, she could always be counted on to show up for her family. Her nieces and nephews were like her own children, and she served as a constant support in their lives. Her faithful presence will be missed by all that knew her.

Each year she proudly served as a volunteer for the Alicia Cooper Memorial Walk. Linda also enjoyed shopping, thrifting, shoes, and traveling, especially to the beach. Above all, she was a self proclaimed “crazy cat lady,” always taking in strays and advocating for the spay and neutering of pets. Even though she claimed she wasn’t looking, cats always found their way to Linda, and she lovingly “collected” many that needed a warm home.

She will be deeply missed by her mother, Sarah Stephens of New Philadelphia; brother, Ron Stephens of New Philadelphia; sisters, Becky (Rod) Knecht of Tuscarawas, Crystal (Terry) Schafer of Urichsville, and Victoria Eichel of Billings, Montana; nieces and nephews; Daniel (Steph), Michelle (Curt), Jessica (Greg), Alex (Beth), Leah (Collin), Nick, Abby (Matt), Cody (Jessica), Andrew, Brandon, and Noah; and 14 great-nieces and nephews.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Stephens, and her beloved aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers and keeping with Linda’s passion, the family asks that donations be made to the TNR Project, 5143 Blacksnake Hill Road NE, Dover, Ohio 44622.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes and Crematory in Dover. The family will be hosting a memorial gathering at the Tuscarawas Community Center, located at 222 East Cherry St, Gnadenhutten, Ohio 44629, on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Those unable to attend may share a fond memory of Linda by signing an online guestbook on the funeral home’s webpage.