Linda Sue Westrich

Linda Sue Westrich, age 72, of Shirley, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home early Wednesday morning, July 16, 2025. She was born on Saturday, November 1, 1952, in New Castle, Indiana, the daughter of the late George and Auralenneth (McDaniel) Thalls.

A 1971 graduate of Eastern Hancock High School, Linda was a gifted athlete and proudly became the first female recipient of the GAA (Girls Athletic Association) award in basketball at Eastern Hancock.

On January 9, 1991, she married Dennis Westrich, and they shared nearly 35 wonderful years together. They had a daughter together, joining their daughters from their previous marriages into a wonderful family. Linda was a devoted mother and a hardworking woman. In addition to raising her children, she worked outside the home at Shirley Foods, and in 1994, she and Dennis took a leap of faith and opened Shirley Hardware. For the next 23 years, the hardware store was more than just a place to buy supplies—it was a place where people became friends with Linda, who was kind & welcoming, never having met a stranger.

Her laugh was infectious and could light up a room. Linda had a deep love for music, enjoying everything from classic rock like The Beatles to traditional gospel. She was a longtime member of the Shirley-Wilkinson Community United Methodist Church. She enjoyed watching Survivor and action movies, and she was a loyal sports fan—cheering for the Colts, especially Peyton Manning.

    Linda had a heart as big as her smile. She loved gardening and animals, even the little rabbits that occasionally found their way into her garden. She was a beloved member of her community and continued working at Shirley Hardware until she and Dennis made the bittersweet decision to retire in 2017. In retirement, Linda and Dennis continued to serve others through volunteer work and missionary trips. But above all, Linda’s favorite role was being with her family—loving her people as a wife, mom, Mamaw, and GG. She was their biggest fan, their constant cheerleader, and their heart. Linda will be missed more than words can express.

    She is survived by her loving husband, Dennis; daughters Jennifer (Benjamin) Burton, Patricia (Mark) Adkins, Andrea (Jim) Back, and Kristi Heath (Cameron Park); grandchildren Aubrie Osborn, Robert (Cybill) Kincaid, Alexander Burton, Cyrus Burton, Taylor Mercer, Kelsey Mercer, Samantha Back, Christopher Back, Bailey Back, and Lorraine Heath; and 9 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her sisters Martha Thalls, Rena Smith, and Nila Jean Davis and granddaughter Meghan Lea Mercer.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Shirley-Wilkinson United Methodist Church, 309 South Street, Shirley, IN 47384.

Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the same location, with Pastor Rick Hutson officiating. Burial will follow at McCray Cemetery in Wilkinson, Indiana.

The staff of Liming Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Linda Sue Westrich.

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