Thelma M. Lindner

Thelma Lindner (nee Gajus), a long time resident of Springdale, Ohio peacefully passed away on May 12, 2023 surrounded by loved ones.  She recently celebrated her 99^th birthday on April 30.

Thelma was born on April 30, 1924 to William and Anna Gajus of Carthage.   After graduating from Hartwell High School in 1942, Thelma was accepted into the School of Nursing at Christ Hospital.  She graduated in 1945 and began her dream career as a public health nurse.  Along the way she met a smart, athletic, and handsome Charles “Chuck” William Lindner from Hartwell and they became an inseparable couple.  They were married on October 13, 1945 during his leave from the Navy.  They initially lived in Carthage, Hartwell and Yorktown, Virginia.

Caring for others and volunteering was a driving force in Thelma's life.  Her career as a public health nurse was the obvious reflection of that dedication and she held that position for the City of Lockland until 1958.  Here she worked within the school district as well as making house calls to residents.

In 1954, Chuck and Thelma moved to their country haven in unincorporated Springdale, Ohio with two sons, Chuck Jr. and Mike, two ponies, two horses, and one dog. In 1958 their young family added a third son, Scott, and enjoyed the natural beauty of the surrounding woods and the privacy of their home, “Hidden Horseshoe,” on Kenn Road. Thelma enjoyed horseback riding, and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She also happily entertained friends at her home - provided they stayed out of her kitchen.  Most of all Thelma took joy in the roles of mother, referee, cook, laundress, chauffeur, and volunteer.  She was the stability behind Chuck getting involved in civic activities and the ultimate incorporation of Springdale as a village. Thelma supported Chuck's ascending to the position of councilman and eventually Mayor of Springdale.  In this partnership Thelma served as a supportive and involved “first lady”.

Thelma's main priority and passion was always serving others and supporting and encouraging “her boys”.  She always volunteered at the boys’ schools, was involved as “room-mother” and served on the PTA.  She was a constant supporter and the loudest cheerleader at sporting events.  One could always locate where Mom was sitting at a Springdale or Princeton athletic event. After raising her sons, she took equal pride and joy in helping her grandchildren and great-grandkids learn, love and grow.

Thelma made it her mission to improve the lives of others.  Upon their retirement, Chuck and Thelma volunteered together within the community.  They both donated their time to “Meals on Wheels”, Llanfair Retirement Community Auxiliary and activities within Springdale.  For many years Thelma worked at the polls on election day, and assisted administering vaccinations.  In addition, she was very active in the Hartwell High School Alumni Association, the Christ Hospital School of Nursing Alumni, and the Hartwell Presbyterian Church.

Thelma and Chuck became owners of a recreational vehicle and enjoyed taking to the road to visit and support their three boys' families. They became members of the Coachmen Caravan and took many trips throughout the United States.  Thelma's favorites were the Rose Bowl, Newfoundland, and five trips to Alaska.

As the matriarch of the Lindner family, she will be deeply missed.  Her wisdom, support and love will always be present every time we go to a sporting event, eat homemade applesauce, gather for a family celebration or find a dropped penny.

Thelma Magdelene Lindner (Gajus), devoted and loving wife of the late Charles (Chuck) Lindner.  Proud, devoted, and loving mother and mother-in-law to Charles Jr. and Isabella, Michael and Sue, and Scott and Julie.  Special and loving Grandmother to Scooter, Lauren, Stacie, Mitch, Graham, Georgia, and Ben.  Great Grandmother of Jordan, Cooper, Reese, Gretchen, and Shane.  Preceded in death by parents Anna and William Gajus, sisters Anna Waites, Evelyn Holtman, Milded Hirschfield, Rosemary Morris, Alma Mullenix, and brother Bill Gajus Jr.

Visitation for family and friends is at Vorhis & Ryan Funeral Home, 11365 Springfield Pike, Springdale, Ohio 45246 on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 noon.  Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: 

The Christ College Elizabeth Dumm Memorial Scholarship

c/o The Christ Hospital Foundation

2123 Auburn Avenue, Suite 528

Cincinnati, OH 45219

Online at www.thechristcollege.edu/give

Ohio Living Foundation
9200 Worthington Rd.

Westerville, Ohio 43082

Online at www.ohioliving.org/foundation/donate

Reference: www.ohioliving.org/communities/ohio-living-llanfair