Linda Joy (Riley) Dennis

Linda Joy Dennis, 85, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family at her home. Born on November 7, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio, Linda brought warmth, laughter, and care into the lives of everyone she touched. She was the beloved daughter of the late Charles and Dorothy (Metzger) Riley and was preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Jeannine Joy Peterman; her brothers, Danny and Larry Riley; and her daughter-in-law, Tina Dennis.

Linda shared a beautiful life and 61 devoted years of marriage with her husband, Dick Dennis. Together they built a family grounded in love and togetherness. She is survived by her sons, Ken Peterman and Shawn Dennis; and her treasured grandchildren, Virginia (Gary) Watson, Tiffani (Corey Stewart) Peterman, Dillon (Jenay) Peterman, Joshua Dennis, and Jacob (Morgan) Dennis. Linda was a proud great-grandmother of ten, a role she embraced with joy, and she also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her siblings, Cathey (Dean) Bartrug and Michael (Diane) Riley, as well as her sister-in-law, Sandy Riley.

Linda spent much of her life doing what she loved—making people feel good. As a longtime hairdresser and owner of Family Hair Gallery in Pickerington, Ohio, she built more than a business; she built friendships and a community, one conversation and haircut at a time. Outside of work, Linda found her greatest happiness at home. She delighted in family gatherings, especially her cherished Sunday dinners, where food, laughter, and stories were always plentiful. She enjoyed playing Euchre, cooking and baking for those she loved, bowling, and quietly creating beautiful pieces through cross-stitch.

Above all, Linda will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and the way she made everyone feel welcome and cared for. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the love she gave so freely.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with a funeral service to follow at 4:00 p.m. Private inurnment will take place at a later date at Hartford Township Cemetery in Croton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Linda’s name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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