Linda B. Gleaves

After a brave battle with brain cancer, Linda B. Gleaves, age 67, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1956 to Paul and Beverly (Hamm) Rector, she moved to Dallas, Texas in 1958 and Upper Arlington, Ohio in 1967. She graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1974, attended The Ohio State University and Franklin University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management. In 1979 she started her 41-year career with Physio-Control which manufactured and sold heart monitor and defibrillators. She was in an administrative role for 14 years and in sales for 27 years. One of the highlights of her career took place in 1998 when she testified at the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate on behalf of House Bill 717. The Bill was passed and allowed the use of automated external defibrillators (AED’s) by a lay person in the State of Ohio, thus helping save countless lives.

In 1984 she married her beloved husband of 40 years, Mark Gleaves who survives her. She was a loving mother to her three children: son, Greg (Meggie) Gleaves of Upper Arlington, Ohio; son, Justin (Lyndsay) Gleaves of Ashburn, Virginia; and daughter, Beth Dunn (Chris Day) of Charlotte, North Carolina. She was affectionately known as GG (Grandma Gleaves) to her seven grandchildren: Amara, Izzie, Finley, Vann, Fox, Marley and Mason. Surviving her in death are her life-long friends, Dwight (Dee) and Peggy Holcomb and her three godchildren: Amanda Holcomb (Hammond), Chad and Tyler Holcomb, and Sister-in-Law Linda Gleaves Spohn (Mike) and her nieces: Nikki, Jessie and Shannon Spohn.

Linda’s life was devoted to her husband of 40 years as well as her children and grandchildren. There is nothing she cherished more than spending time together during their annual family vacations and Thanksgiving gatherings. She loved life and people were drawn to her smile, positive energy and her friendly and warm nature. She was known for her endless entertaining, delicious caramel brownies, and ice cream desserts. She loved football and was a loyal Upper Arlington Golden Bears, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cincinnati Bengals fan. She served as a Director on the River Highlands Board of Directors. Her family thanks the Dublin Methodist Radiation Department and Compassus Hospice for their excellent care and support throughout her cancer treatment.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 3 PM at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held immediately afterwards until 6 PM. Linda requests that since her life was so bright and fun, that attendees wear something colorful with minimal black to celebrate her life. Friends who wish, may contribute in her memory to the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/donate. Please make sure to select ‘dedicate this gift’ and type in ‘Linda Gleaves’.