March 1, 1945 – August 12, 2026
Linda Gaye Ehrhardt, 81, died at her home in Westlake, Ohio, on August 12, 2026.
Linda was born in Sandusky, Ohio, on March 1, 1945, to Robert James Ehrhardt and Grace Ehrhardt (née Brandt). She spent much of her childhood in Bellevue before her family moved to Brook Park. In 1963, she graduated as a member of Midpark High School’s first graduating class. She later completed her practical-nursing education at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland and became a licensed practical nurse.
As a single mother, Linda centered her life on raising her three children. She stretched limited resources to provide for their needs, made sacrifices for their education, and taught them the importance of faith, perseverance, and creative problem-solving.
Linda became a Christian in 1983 and was a member of the Brecksville Church of God of Prophecy at the time of her death. Her faith found expression in practical service. She sang in the choir, cared for children in the nursery, and earned her commercial driver’s license so she could drive the church bus. Through the church’s outreach ministry, she brought children and families from throughout Cleveland to Sunday services. Her help extended well beyond transportation: she offered friendship, food, guidance, and, when someone had nowhere else to go, a place to stay. She shared what she had, even when it was little.
Singing was one of Linda’s greatest joys. She also enjoyed Scrabble and chess and was a lifelong artist who continued sketching people, animals, and scenes into her final years. She especially loved her birds and often talked and sang with a parakeet companion.
Linda is survived by her children, Rosalind Colon and her partner, James; Theodore R. Austin and his wife, Bridget; and Samuel Ehrhardt and his wife, Hallie; her grandchildren, Brianne Bray and her husband, Martavius, Kayla Austin, Austin Colon and his fiancée, Brooke, Zoe Austin, Zane Austin, Zakari Austin, Zander Austin, Laney Ehrhardt, Samuel Ehrhardt, Maverick Ehrhardt, and Alexander Ehrhardt; her granddaughter of the heart, Chloe Kim; and her great-grandchildren, Michael Arriaga, Elijah Arriaga, and Giovanni Jordan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Grace Ehrhardt; her sister, Marsha Tamayo; and her brother, Jamie Ehrhardt.
The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Brecksville Church of God of Prophecy, 8131 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141. A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Flowers may be sent to the church on the day of the service.