Linda L. Dempsey, 80, of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

She was born in Adrian, Michigan on May 5, 1945 to the late Furman and Marian (Fetzer) Ladd. On August 24, 1963 she married Russell C. Dempsey who preceded her in death on May 20, 1995.

Linda and Russ, along with their family, owned and operated several Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurants for over 53 years from 1968-2021. She was an avid University of Michigan fan, and she loved golfing and watching sports. Linda was a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was very proud of her children and their accomplishments. She loved her grandchildren and attending their sporting events to encourage them and show her support. Linda will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Linda is survived by her loving children, Charles "Chuck" (Kelly) Dempsey, Paul Dempsey, and Colleen (Brian Davenport) Dempsey, all of Defiance, eight grandchildren, Garrett (Ashley) Dempsey, Jacob (Ellen) Moser, Zackary (Sara) Dempsey, Maredith (Devin Bowers) Dempsey, Cody Dempsey, Collen Dempsey, J.T. Green and Jacob (Savannah) Green, five great-grandchildren, Graeson and Raegan Dempsey, Marley and Aspen Shipley, and Rowan Bowers, and her brother, Michael (Joan) Ladd of Woodbridge, VA.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Torey Moser.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 2-7 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 24th at the funeral home with Celebrant Deb Miller officiating. Linda will be laid to rest in Riverview Memory Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Hospice Center.