Linda Foster

Linda Foster age 74 of Beavercreek, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at Miami Valley Hospital Friday, December 1, 2023 after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Richard Foster; son David Foster & wife Erin; daughter Emily Foster; 2 brothers Sherman Benson & wife Mary, and Wayne Benson & wife Colleen; 2 grandchildren Zachary Foster & Christopher Foster; and other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Linda was born and raised in Kettering, OH and a graduate of Fairmont East High School. She completed a BA in Elementary Education at Wright State University and became a first grade teacher, initially in the Mad River School District and finishing her 26 year career in the Beavercreek School System. She paused in the middle of her tenure to stay home with her young children but often was a substitute teacher during that period. Her love of children and teaching never faded throughout her life.

Linda could not sit idly by and always had to be doing something with her hands. She was a gardener, a landscaper, a knitter, a quilter, a tailor, a crafter, a decorator, a baker, and forever a teacher. She was a maker of hats for chemo patients, blankets for newborns, memorial teddy bears out of favorite clothes of lost loved ones, and a member of a larger group who make hundreds of quilts for the disadvantaged. Above all was her passion for travel. She had the good fortune to visit all the places on her wish list and many more that were beyond her wildest dreams; all 50 states, 54 of our 63 national parks, and 67 foreign countries, many of them several times. She had a special fascination for fireworks and trains. She filled each day of her life with accomplishments and memories.

Nothing brought Linda more joy than her family, her children, and of course her grandchildren. There are many stories to tell, but one of her favorites was how she became affectionately but inappropriately referred to as SLB, a reference she proudly displayed on her vehicle license plate. She cherished the love of her family and of those neighbors, fellow teachers, and friends closest to her. She returned that love as freely and openly as time would allow. She left us suddenly, and she will be missed by family and friends for a long time.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2023 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at Mt. Zion Church, 428 Shepard Road, Xenia, Ohio 45385.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions in Linda’s name to the Main Elementary PTO, 2942 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, OH 45434, or to the American Cancer Society.