Linda Jean Lowry

Linda Jean (Barnhart) Lowry, age 68, passed away on March 2, 2016 in Hilliard, Ohio at Darby Glen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center while recovering from cardiac surgery. Born April 30, 1947 in Columbus, Ohio, Linda was preceded in death by parents Clarence Ray and Helen Mitten Barnhart, and brother Robert C. Barnhart. Having just celebrated her 45th wedding anniversary on February 27 with devoted husband and soulmate James Harold Lowry, Linda is also survived by daughter Michelle Lowry (David Lockhart), sister Barbara Barnhart Cooke (William), uncle Glenn Barnhart (Margaret), many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, decades-long friends Sylvia Murdoch, Edith Clay, and Barb Moore, and close neighborhood friends, as well as beloved cats Halley, Kiki, and Shortie, and "grandkitty" Eeyore. A West High Class of '65 graduate, Linda earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Franklin University in 1969, then went on to work as a production controller at Dennison Engineering before ultimately settling into her role as homemaker and many year volunteer at Binns Elementary. Linda was a long term member of the Columbus Zoo and avid animal advocate, with a special fondness for giraffes, frogs, aquarium fish, and cats, caring for many strays over the years. Known affectionately to friends as the "Tomato Lady" for her success with tomato gardening, she enjoyed gardening of all types (vegetable, flowers, and ponds), baking, reading up on Abraham Lincoln, tracking Hilltop history, and all things OSU Marching Band related, especially relishing her role as a "T-row Mom" from 1993-1997 when daughter Michelle was a TBDBITL member. Her family and friends will miss her caring nature, willingness to help anyone in need, quirky sense of humor, the spirited solitaire and Wii bowling matches, and especially her vegetable soup. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 from 4:00PM-7:00PM at the SCHOEDINGER HILLTOP CHAPEL, 3030 West Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43204 where funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 10:00AM with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Tim Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Reber Hill Cemetery. Special thanks extend to the ICU nurses at Mount Carmel West for their incredible skill and compassion. Memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends Animal Society (www.bestfriends.org).