Columbus
Linda May Jerome, 76, died from complications of COPD at 8:20 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2016, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. She was surrounded by her husband, many children, grandchildren and close relatives.
She is survived by her husband of 30 years Frank Jerome and her son, Martin Hensley of Greenfield, Indiana. She raised two granddaughters, Lorraine (Adam) Hensley Schill and Alexis Hensley and had 11 other grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was spending time with Lorraine’s son Emmett Levi Schill. She is also survived by her siblings, Denny Klakamp, Pat Otte, Frank Klakamp and Gary Klakamp.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Frank Klakamp of Seymour; and her beloved son, Steven Hensley.
Born August 15, 1940, in Seymour. She was a 1958 graduate of Shields High School. She worked for the Seymour Clerk/Treasurer during the 1950’s. In the 1960’s, she was elected clerk/treasurer of Crothersville, Indiana. After moving to Columbus in 1970, she was elected a city councilwoman in 1996.
She married Dr. Frank Jerome, a Columbus dentist, in 1986, becoming a step-mother to his children, Frank (Lisa) Jerome III of Sunbury, Ohio, Jerry Jerome of Columbus and Julianna (Kevin) Jerome- Drerup of Columbus. Linda worked with her husband as his office manager until their retirement in 2016.
Linda and Frank are immersed believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and attend East Columbus Christian Church.
Linda did many things in her life but felt her mission was being a mother and raising children, which she did from age 19 with Martin’s birth, until her death as, the youngest, Alexis prepares to leave for college. Her legacy will be felt by all the children she raised and nurtured and their children that follow.
Linda was a friend to all and will be missed by all who knew her.
There will be a viewing from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Home. There will be a service conducted by Pastor Ron Bridgewater at East Columbus Christian Church Tuesday, with viewing from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Seymour.
Memorial contributions may be made to Columbus Christian School, where both Lorraine and Alexis attended and graduated.
You are invited to view his or her video tribute after 3 p.m. Monday, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet.
