Linda L. Wotring

Linda Lou Wotring, a devoted servant of the Most High God, was born on October 19, 1939, and entered into His loving arms on October 19, 2026-her 87th birthday.

Linda was born in Fostoria, Ohio, to Clayton Robert Ray and Margaret Elizabeth Bradley (later Weirick). During World War II, after her father left to serve his country, Linda moved with her mother and sisters from Kentucky to Mammy and Pap's farm in Warsaw, Indiana. The family later settled in Adrian, Michigan.

Linda met her future husband, Glennis ("Glenn") Wotring, in high school. They married on August 24, 1957, when Linda was 17. Although she had dreamed of becoming a nurse, she devoted herself to raising her family and building a life centered on faith, love, and service. Together, Linda and Glenn built a remarkable legacy that included seven children, one adopted daughter, 23 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

As Glenn pursued his education, the family lived in Indiana and then New York before eventually returning to Adrian, Michigan. Throughout those years, Linda worked tirelessly to support her family and Glenn's academic ambitions, including his undergraduate and graduate studies and his Ph.D. program at the University of Michigan. She did so while raising their children and providing devoted care to their youngest daughter, Deborah, who has special needs.

In New York, Linda opened a daycare, caring for other families' children alongside her own. She also served as a foster mother, extending her love and care to children who needed a safe and welcoming home.

After returning to Michigan, Linda followed in the footsteps of her mother and mother-in-law by opening her home to those who needed care. What began as adult foster care later evolved into assisted living. Over the years, Linda cared for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and the challenges of aging. At times, more than 18 people lived under one roof, creating a household filled with activity, companionship, and compassion. The nurturing environment Linda provided allowed so many of those in her care to thrive. The number of lives she touched is impossible to count, and many families remained in contact with her long after their loved ones had left her care.

Linda's commitment to others extended beyond her home. She volunteered as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children in the foster care system and helping ensure that their voices were heard and their needs were recognized.

During the 1970s, when Vietnamese families were fleeing their homeland by boat, Linda and Glenn sponsored and welcomed multiple refugee families into their home over several years. Their family room was filled with bunk beds to accommodate the many people they welcomed. Their children grew up amid what they came to know as the beloved chaos of a home shared with elderly residents, refugees, and foster children. Though the house was often bustling, it was always filled with people who needed a place to belong.

The doors to Linda and Glenn's home were, quite literally, always open. Neighborhood children and church teens frequently gathered there, sometimes to the exasperation of Linda's own children, who occasionally wished for a little peace and quiet. Yet there was a reason everyone wanted to be there: Linda always had food to share, a place at the table, and room in her heart. Anyone who walked through her door was welcomed and treated like family.

When Linda and Glenn moved to Toledo, Ohio, in the early 1980s, Linda founded Heritage House Assisted Living. Her calling to care for others became her life's work, and she continued operating Heritage House well into her 80s, retiring in 2024. Through decades of compassionate service, she provided not simply a place to live, but a place to be valued, cared for, and loved.

Linda's legacy is far greater than the number of people she cared for or the years she devoted to service. It lives on in her large and loving family, including adopted and honorary family members, and in the countless lives forever changed by her generosity. Her life was a testament to her faith: love expressed through open doors, full tables, willing hands, and a heart that always made room for one more.

Linda is survived by her children, Kim Wotring, Laurie (Steve) Mohler, Karen (Bill) Skeels, Robert Wotring, Sandra (John) Thompson, Brad (Debbie) Wotring, and Deborah Wotring; her adopted daughter, Teresa Knicely; her 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Kay (Ross) Collette and Darlene Freed; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and beloved extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; her father, Clayton Robert Ray; her mother, Margaret Elizabeth Weirick; her sisters, Carol Paul and Peggy Elliott; her father-in-law, Harold Wotring; her mother-in-law, Erma Wotring; brothers-in-law, Ronald Wotring, Roger Wotring; sisters-in-law, Carol Fancher, and Marjorie Wotring; and many cherished aunts and uncles.

Linda leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and unconditional love. Her earthly home has closed its doors, but the countless lives she welcomed, nurtured, and changed will carry her love forward for generations to come.

Our family would like to thank the tireless staff of the Mercy Health - Saint Anne's Hospital ICU staff, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio who supported Mom and us through this difficult time.

Linda's life will be celebrated on Saturday, October 24th, at her son's church, Community House Church, 3708 Laskey Rd. Toledo, Ohio 43623 on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, with the funeral beginning at 11:00 am. Following services, Linda will be laid to rest at Toledo Memorial Park.