Linda Ann Witt

Linda Ann (Olman) Witt, 74, passed away peacefully at home on August 27, 2023 following a three-year battle with complications from a fall. Linda was born on May 16, 1949 in Traverse City to the late Charles Olman and Joyetta Marie (Boyd) Olman. Linda is survived by her two children, Jenifer Witt (David Donovan) and Jeffrey Witt; her grandchildren, True, Laura, Holly, Thomas, and David; her great-grandchildren, Josephine and Vera; her brother Tom Olman (Michelle). Linda was a fourth generation native to Traverse City. She grew up on State Street in the home her grandparents bought in the early 1900s, and in which her father was born. She graduated from Traverse City Senior High in 1967, and earned her associate degree from Northwestern Michigan College before transferring to Central Michigan University, graduating in 1971. Linda earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Central Michigan University, and taught at Monroe Center, when it was a one room schoolhouse. She paused her teaching career to raise her children, and returned to the preschool classroom in the 1990s. She was an early childhood educator and center director for many years before retiring. In retirement, Linda was active in local and state-level politics. She was elected to the Grand Traverse County Board of Canvassers, was a precinct delegate and the secretary for the local GOP. Linda’s legacy is her family, and she prioritized her family above all else. Her greatest love and happiness was her children and grandchildren. She could talk endlessly about them, and showed their pictures to everyone. She loved being a mother, and treasured the time she spent with her children both while they were growing up, and as adults. Linda enjoyed spending countless hours with her grandchildren, and she radiated when she was with them. Linda was close to her brother, Tom, and their close relationship continued throughout her life. Linda was generous, stubborn, funny, and a light to all who knew her. She was a night-owl, and always up for a late night chat or staying up late to finish a book. She loved lunch dates with friends, playing slot machines at the casino, but also being cozied up at home. Her “happy place” was sitting in the breeze on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, reading and watching the waves. Linda made friends wherever she went, and those friendships were lifelong. She had friends from all aspects of her life: neighbors, co-workers, college friends, and even people she once sat next to on a plane. Some of Linda’s friends have continued to visit her up to the very end of her life, seeing Linda through the changes the past years have brought. In the ensuing years, whenever anyone thinks of Linda, undoubtedly, the word that will come to mind is, love. Linda was the best mother, the best sister, the best friend. The last few years of Linda’s life were fraught with health issues, but she kept fighting, even when the odds were against her. She fought so that she could be with her family and friends a little longer. For those of us that Linda left, it still wasn’t long enough. She will be missed every day. A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at Reynolds-Jonkhoff funeral home in Traverse City on Friday, September 1 at 11:00am, with a visitation at 10:00am. A luncheon will follow the service, and will be held on the lawn of Reynolds-Jonkhoff funeral home. Linda will rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City following a private burial. Linda’s family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Comfort Keepers, Residential Home Health Care, NPalliative, and Hospice of Michigan for providing Linda compassionate care for the last three years. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Linda Ann Witt

May 16, 1949 - August 27, 2023