Linda Esther Thomas

Linda E. Thomas (Whyler), of North Canton passed away on April 16, 2023. She had battled cancer and it finally got the best of her. Linda was born and raised in Akron Ohio and was a proud 1962 graduate of Garfield High School, she never missed a reunion. She most recently attended her 60th this past August. She worked hard all her life and was honored to be a professional driver. She was one of the first female drivers to be a Teamster and worked several years for Hostess Cakes. She went on to work for Provide-A-Ride where she was named their employee of the year in 2001. Linda typically worked more than one job and was always on the go. She always had a joke for you and made everyone’s day a little brighter. She loved to read, play bingo, go to the casinos, and win at Scrabble. She was an amazing friend to all who knew her.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Milo and Mary Whyler, her brothers Daniel and Robert, her sister Marilyn Keenen, and her grandson, Lewis Nicholas.

She is survived by her children, Darla (Dave) Hanlon, Ron (Chris) Blondheim, Jr., Greg (Missy) Blondheim, Sr., Becky Casto (Rick Farr), grandchildren, Katie, David (Melissa), Trevor, Kacye, Kinsey, Greg Jr., Alex, Sophia, Danny, Kayla (CJ),  Drew, 5 great grandchildren and one on the way; brothers Phil (Sandy) Whyler, Tom (Nellie) Whyler, and sister Sharon Blubaugh, several friends, nieces and nephews, and good friend Jim Howell.

She loved her family unconditionally and truly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She will be remembered by everyone for her wit, the ability to tell a silly joke on any topic, amazing luck with scratch offs, how hard she worked, and how many wooden spoons she snapped on her kids’ bottoms.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, May 13, at the Akron Hibernian Club located at 2000 Brown St. Akron OH, with Pastor Brenda Young Officiating. The family will receive guests from 11:30 – 1:00. The service will begin at 1:00 followed by a short reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Katie’s Kids of Canton (katieskids14.org), or Christ Child Society of Akron (christchildsocietyakron.org) both organizations support children in need.