Linda Eilene (Chaffin) Mace, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on October 16, 2026.
Linda was born on April 23, 1954, in Springfield, Ohio to Eilene (Sumpter) and Joseph Dean Chaffin. She graduated from Northeastern High School in 1972, and worked at Bank Ohio in London, Ohio where she met her husband, Marty. They married in 1978, and welcomed daughter Jessie, in 1982. Linda was a lifelong member of the South Solon United Methodist Church and served as an elected fiscal officer for Perry Township in Pickaway County for 17 years, before retiring in 2025.
Linda was a kind and quiet person, but under her soft exterior was a strong will, which became evident during her battle with cancer. Despite her 2023 diagnosis, she kept doing the things that brought her joy: baking, traveling, spending time with family, and crafting. She spent these final years making memories with those she loved and rarely let her cancer hold her back.
Linda always noticed the details, pulling out a magnifying glass to examine a newly emerged butterfly, meticulously matching every element of her outfit, and following recipes with precision, making notes in the margins about temperature and time. She never missed a spectacular sunset or a sudden rainbow. This attention to detail always made everything a little more special for those around her. It was her way of showing how much she cared.
Her warmth and compassion for others were evident through her many charitable endeavors, most of which she did quietly, without recognition or fanfare. She just noticed when others needed help and gave it, usually wrapped up in a (literal) bow.
Linda will be deeply missed by her husband of forty-eight years, Marty Mace of Williamsport; mother, Eilene (Sumpter) Chaffin of Copper Knoll Health & Rehabilitation Center; daughter, Jessie Mace-Froehlich; son-in-law, William Froehlich and grandson Jaseyon Dean Froehlich, all of Columbus. She is also survived by her brother-law, Chris (Cindy) Mace, aunts, Eleanor (Chaffin) Bailey of Hillsboro, Arlene (Howard) Smith of Urbana and Patty Sumpter of Urbana; longtime friend, Mary (Collins) Derring of London; school friend, Mary (Elliott) Sharp of Marengo, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Dean Chaffin; brother, Richard Chaffin and several pets, most notably Sophie the tabby cat and Barney the papilion-chihuahua mix.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Ewa Mrozek; CNP Joel Rice and the staff of Madison Health Cancer Center and Adena Hospice Care for their exceptional care.
A funeral service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date. There will be a burial of her cremains at Range Township Cemetery in Midway, Ohio at the convenience of the family. The family is being served by Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland..
Memorial gifts may be made to either the South Solon United Methodist Church or the New Holland Lions Club in the care of Marty Mace: 24920 Locust Grove Rd, Williamsport, Ohio 43164. Gifts will also be accepted at the celebration of life once announced.
www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com
