A Tribute To My Mother

Linda J. Wise Jones

October 24, 1940 – February 18, 2012

Linda was a life-long resident of Dayton, Ohio and a woman of many talents and passions.  Among them were her love of horses, dogs, sewing and gardening (especially her roses).  Her passion for horses began as a young girl and she would tell stories of riding her horses on Main Street (Route 48) to her friends’ homes to visit.  She started the Old National Trail Riding Center at the Englewood Park in the late 1970’s. I am the oldest of five children and she had me on horseback by the time I was 8 years of age.  She had to quit riding in her early 40’s due to a fall off her last horse.  She had been an avid sewer for as long as I can remember.  She had great fun in making dresses for my sisters, her granddaughters, me and all of our dolls.  She took great pride in sewing and tailoring her own clothes as well.  Her passion for gardening was beyond belief. She loved flowers, most especially roses, and would share her bounty with everyone. In her fifties, she went back to college and got her nursing degree, graduating with honors. She then proceeded to open and operate a 13 person assisted living home. One of her favorite fun things to do was to go the river boats and pull the one arm bandits (slot machines) with Harold, her husband, and her parents, Leon and Katie.  She had a fabulous sense of humor which is one of the many things I will miss about her.  She was a young 71 when she passed but over the last 5 years or so had many health issues.  She was a fighter and fought as long as she could.  Hospice of Dayton made the final process of her life a caring, comfortable, and peaceful transition. She is no longer suffering nor in pain. I and my family will always be thankful that Hospice of Dayton is there to provide this to patients and their families.  

Submitted by daughter Susan Vahle