Linda Varano, affectionately known as "Grandma Linda", left this world August 15, 2024 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of love and deep faith in Our Lord and Savior.

Born on July 17, 1946 to Lynn and Estella (Businger) Balser, Linda was the oldest daughter, growing up alongside her sister Wanda (Stan) Stuckey, and brothers Jeffery Balser (deceased), Dennis (Bobbie) Balser, Greg (Kathy) Balser, Mark Balser, Ken (Beth) Balser, and deceased brother Darwin, with surviving spouse Tammy Balser. Linda was a 1964 graduate of Farmer High School. She worked for Defiance County for 19 years at the Treasurer's Office and at Defiance Senior Center.

In 1971, Linda's life blossomed when she married her lifelong partner Dominick "Nick" Varano in a beautiful ceremony of marriage at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Hicksville, Ohio. They settled in Defiance and belong to St. John the Evangelist Church. They welcomed into this world a son, Dominick who preceded her on the journey to our Heavenly Father.

Linda always expressed kindness and patience and a deep love of all children. There was no stranger in her eyes. Once she met you, a birthday or holiday did not go by without you receiving a card. She loved tending to her flowers and her kitchen was the heart of her home, known for her pumpkin cake. If you were close by you would be blessed with a pumpkin cake for your birthday! Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance, with a Vigil Service at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at St. John Catholic Church, with Fr. David Cirata officiating. Linda will be laid to rest at Riverview Memory Gardens.

Memorials are suggested by the family in lieu of flowers to St. John Evangelist Catholic Church Youth Program, or Holy Cross Catholic School.

Holy Cross Catholic School
1745 S. Clinton St. Defiance, OH, OH
Tel: 1-419-784-2021
Web: http://www.defianceholycross.org/

St. John Catholic Church-Youth Program
510 Jackson Avenue, Defiance OH 43512