COLUMBUS
Linda May Jerome, 76, died from complications of COPD at 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. She was surrounded by her husband, many children, grandchildren and close relatives.
Born Aug. 15, 1940, in Seymour, she was the daughter of Dorothy and Frank Klakamp, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Dr. Frank Jerome, a Columbus dentist, in 1986, and he survives.
She was a 1958 graduate of Shields High School and worked for the Seymour clerk/treasurer during the 1950s. In the 1960s, she was elected clerk/treasurer of Crothersville. After moving to Columbus in 1970, she was elected a city councilwoman in 1996. Linda also worked with her husband as his office manager until their retirement in 2016.
Besides her husband of 30 years, survivors include her son, Martin Hensley of Greenfield; stepchildren, Frank (Lisa) Jerome III of Sunbury, Ohio, Jerry Jerome of Columbus and Julianna (Kevin) Jerome- Drerup of Columbus; two granddaughters she raised, Lorraine (Adam) Hensley Schill and Alexis Hensley; 11 other grandchildren ;and three great-grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was spending time with Lorraine’s son, Emmett Levi Schill. She also is survived survived by her siblings, Denny Klakamp, Pat Otte, Frank Klakamp and Gary Klakamp.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by beloved son, Steven Hensley.
Linda and Frank are immersed believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and attend East Columbus Christian Church.
Linda did many things in her life but felt her mission was being a mother and raising children, which she did from age 19 with Martin’s birth, until her death as, the youngest, Alexis prepares to leave for college. Her legacy will be felt by all the children she raised and nurtured and their children that follow.
Linda was a friend to all and will be missed by all who knew her.
There will be a viewing from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Home. There will be a service conducted by Pastor Ron Bridgewater at East Columbus Christian Church Tuesday, with viewing from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Seymour.
Memorial contributions may be made to Columbus Christian School, where both Lorraine and Alexis attended and graduated.
You are invited to view his or her video tribute after 3 p.m. Monday, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet.
www.jewellrittman.com