Linda Louise Wotring

Linda Louise Wotring, a long time resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the age of 79. She was born in the picturesque town of Cordova, Alaska, and moved all over the country with her parents and two brothers, following her fathers’ career with the Presbyterian church.

Linda's life was filled with remarkable moments, achievements, and passions. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Macalester College and a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Rochester in 1972 with a dissertation on adaptation of mouse leukemic cells. After all that travel early in life, she found her home in Ann Arbor, living in the area for the next 40 years. She worked for the University of Michigan, College of Pharmacy, where she managed a lab conducting cancer research. After the loss of her brother, William, she became interested in disease prevention on a population level and earned an MPH in epidemiology from the University of Michigan, School of Public Health. She went on to work for the state of Michigan, researching HIV infection rates in the city of Detroit to help reduce the incidence of disease. After retirement, she enjoyed playing the piano at home, and later at her assisted living facility. She also made beaded jewelry and accumulated a huge collection of beads that she loved to look through. She loved dark chocolate and sweets and could always be talked into taking the kids to Dairy Queen for some ice cream.

Linda was predeceased by her brother, William Wotring, formerly of Long Beach, California, and her husband, Sol Metz. She is survived by step-children, Diana Goldstein of Austin, Texas; Marta Metz of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Andrew Metz (Libby Graham) of Islandmagee, Northern Ireland; and Liza Metz (Shane Dudek) of Monroe, Michigan, as well as two step-grandchildren, Bianca and Ariana Goldstein of Austin, Texas and her brother, John Wotring, of Santa Rosa, California.

Linda's family and friends will come together to honor her memory at two significant events. The first, a graveside service, held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Marble Park Cemetery, 520 West Main Street, Milan, MI. The second, a celebration of her rich life, will take place on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Memory Lane Assisted Living (https://memorylanemichigan.com) where the staff took wonderful care of her for the past 1-1/2 years or Hospice of Lenawee (https://www.hospiceoflenawee.org/) whose staff took care of Linda and the family for the past 2 months. To share cherished memories and express condolences, please visit www.muehligannarbor.com