Linda Shantz

Linda Faye Shantz, age 81 of Linden, passed away on May 20, 2025. She was born on August 1, 1943, in Cleveland, TN, raised by her mother, Gilda (Parker) Chase and stepfather, Joe Ben Chase.

Linda's life began in Tennessee, but her story found its most enduring chapters in Michigan. It was there, amidst the hum of the Fisher Body plant in Livonia, that she met the love of her life, James E. Shantz, Sr. Their story truly began at the Crestwood Lounge where they would meet, and it blossomed into a love that would stand the test of time. Linda and James laid down roots in Detroit before moving to Hartland in the early '70s, where they nurtured a growing family and a home filled with laughter and love.

A lifelong learner, Linda returned to her studies later in life to complete her GED, demonstrating to all the value she placed on education. Her professional life blossomed at the dental office of Dr. Fortson, where she became a trusted and skilled office manager. Her colleagues and patients alike benefited from her warmth and meticulous care.

Linda's interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. In her younger years, she reveled in the joys of dancing, roller skating, and moving to the tunes of Elvis Presley. As the years went by, her passion turned to cheering on her children and grandchildren in their various sporting endeavors. She never missed a chance to gather her family for a trip to the casino, where playing slots became a cherished pastime. Proud of her Cherokee Indian heritage, Linda was a living bridge to her family's past. Her love for cooking and baking became the centerpiece of family events, with her banana split dessert achieving legendary status among those who had the pleasure of tasting it. Linda can be best described by the words 'loving' and 'kind.' She was the glue that held her family together, always placing their needs above her own. Her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was one she cherished above all else.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, James Shantz Sr.; children, Troy (Linda) Kincaid, Lisa Kennedy, and James E. Shantz, Jr. (Tonyia); grandchildren, Jessicah, Troy Jr., Michael, Ryan, Shelby, Traylor, and Sydney; great-grandchildren, Lillian, Gracelyn, Camila, Lexy, Luna and Charlotte; sisters, JoAnn (Steve) Sparks and Debbie (Dan) Rye; and several other family members both here in Michigan and in Tennessee. Linda is preceded in death by her mother, Gilda Chase; her step-father, Joe Ben Chase; her son, David Kincaid; and her son-in-law, Robert J. Kennedy.

A visitation for Linda will be held 2-8PM Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St., Linden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM Friday, May 30, 2025 at St. John Catholic Church, Little Church, 1991 N. Hacker Road, Howell, with visitation beginning at 10AM.

Memorial contributions in Linda’s honor may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor.