Linda Speakman-Yerick

We will have achieved only part of what Linda Speakerman-Yerick did in her lifetime if we “Look into the depths of another’s soul and listen, not only with our ears, but with our hearts and imagination, and our silent love. . .” according to poet Joye Kanelakos. Linda diligently worked everyday to help improve the possibilities in life for others. She was kind, fun-loving, and a cherished friend to all who knew her.

Life was good in 1951! With WWII far off in the past, and by the observations of President Harry S. Truman, the economy was booming and unemployment was extremely low. There were so many people working and commuting that the New Jersey Turnpike was created; however, automobiles still had a ways to go in terms of safety - in fact, turn signals were still considered merely a luxury option forcing drivers to use hand signals to communicate intention. In homes, families gathered around eagerly anticipating the new show, “I Love Lucy” and were marveling at the new direct dial telephone that made operators unnecessary for calling loved ones across the country. This new way of communicating was just in time for Walter K. and Dorothy M. (Brady) Mossman because they had exciting news to share! Their precious baby daughter was born on October 23 in Kendallville, Indiana. They named her Linda, and she was the light of their lives.

Water was a part of Linda’s blood from the start of her life, as she spent her childhood in a home located on Sylvan Lake allowing her to enjoy the sunshine and beauty. She had an enormous adventuresome spirit and actively participated in all lake sporting activities such as waterskiing and basking by the soft waves in the summertime with friends. On cloudier days, Linda worked at the family owned bar and grill, ‘Brady’s Landing’ - though it was also affectionately named ‘the lunchroom’ by Grandma Dorothy or ‘Granny’s’ by many locals. When she was not working or thoroughly enjoying life on the lake, she attended East Noble High School and graduated in 1969; she was part of the first class to graduate out of this ENHS after the consolidation of schools. Upon graduating, Linda enrolled at Ball State University in Muncie and began to gravitate to her bigger purposes in life.

Linda’s life was dedicated to helping others make the best of and for themselves. She had a true passion for people and helping them succeed gave her personal satisfaction. She was an ultimate professional and found some of her best rewards in life while working with The Dekko Foundation and The Noble County Community Foundation where she was the executive director. She had a vibrant career that truly matched her outgoing and compassionate personality. Her extraordinary organization skills paired with her utmost professionalism helped make all her efforts toward serving the needs of others easily achievable.

She put just as much, and maybe more, effort into her family. Linda married George Speakman, and the two were given the gift of their daughter, Jessica. It was evident that Linda wanted to make memorable impressions on her daughter, as she often brought Jessica along to many of her business meetings. And though Jessica was not always thrilled to get dragged along, she gained insight to Linda’s work ethics; today, Jessica is the woman she has become because she valued the lessons her mother taught her by living her life the way she did every day.

As time progressed, love and life took Linda in another direction. She and George went their separate ways finding new lives in different ways. A lucky soul though, Linda found love two times in her life. This new love was one which was to be everlasting. John Michael Yerick stole her heart and promised to cherish it until they were forced to part. The happy couple married at her home on beautiful Sylvan Lake on December 20, 1996. The newlyweds celebrated their love and embraced the uniting of two families into one. Fortunately for both, that meant double the grandchildren to enjoy - and Linda certainly had a special place in her heart for all of her grandchildren.

Linda lived her life in a large way. She was an exceptional party thrower - especially the unforgettable 4th of July celebrations on the lake - when her obsession with hot dogs or Spam may or may not have been noticed! She also loved spending time on the golf course and even more so since John was the golf pro at Limberlost Golf Club in Rome City. She spent many hours helping to make the club house and courses beautiful. Of course, her house on the lake was also kept pristine with many hours of love poured into the garden and yard. During the colder months, she would decorate her house for the holidays with such splendor - actually decorating 13 Christmas trees throughout her home! When she and John needed a little sunshine (which she so often craved), they would travel to The Villages in Florida and Panama Beach.

In life, when Linda was not enjoying her family or working passionately, she was found in the company of so many friends. She was known to be a bit of a prankster which was widely accepted because of her wild sense of humor and accompanying laughter. Friends and family alike knew Linda would warmly welcome them and set to making sure everyone was taken care of and having a good time. Though there were not many moments of solitude, the ones she did find were spent watching “Wheel of Fortune” or “Dancing With the Stars.”

Linda’s enthusiasm for life and positive attitude were contagious to all those who loved her. She leaves behind an incredible legacy to others with her devotion to having compassion for others, the importance of laughter, and the unequivocal kindness she showed to everyone she met. Jim Stovall (author of one of Linda’s favorite books titled “The Ultimate Gift”) wrote, “In the end, a person is only known by the impact he or she has on others.” If this quote is accurate, Linda definitely left her positive mark on this world with the help she provided, but she is known for doing so much more. Linda will never be forgotten, and we will forever hold dear all the memories she helped create in this life. Linda will be greatly missed by all of us.

OBITUARY

Linda Speakman-Yerick, age 65, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017 at her residence on Sylvan Lake. On December 20, 1996 at her home on beautiful Sylvan Lake. Survivors include: Husband, John Yerick of Sylvan Lake, Rome City; Daughter, Jessica Gromaski and Randel Morris, Jr. of Rome City; Grandchildren, Logan and Ashlin Gromaski of Rome City and Randel’s daughter, Isabell Morris; Step son, Brad and Ann Yerick of Versailles, Ohio; Step daughter, Candi Louth of Fort Jennings, Ohio; and Step grandchildren, Paige, Samantha, and John Yerick; and Tyler (Erica) Louth, Andrew Louth and Alyssa Louth. Visitation will held Sunday, March 19, 2017 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will also be held Monday, March 20, 2017 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home. Memorial services and a celebration gathering will be held at a later date at the Kendallville Event Center. Date and time will be announced. Memorial donations may be made to the Noble County Community Foundation. Share a memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.