Linnea C. Bartling, a devoted pastor, educator, and avid reader, passed away peacefully at her home in Roanoke on April 23, 2026. Born on August 14, 1938, Linnea lived a life marked by faith, dedication, and a deep love for her family and community.

A graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Home Economics, Linnea’s career was as diverse as it was impactful. She served as a retired pastor, offering her spiritual guidance to various churches in the capacity of an interim pastor. Additionally, she held the position of Director of weekday education at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, where she influenced countless lives through her commitment to learning and spiritual growth. She, along with her husband George Bartling, received the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre Benjamin A. and Sharon E. Eisbart 2021 Theatre Arts Award.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Linnea was passionate about literature, completing between 12 to 15 books each month. She had a special affinity for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and literacy. Her hobbies extended to pottery, crossword puzzles, and gardening, where she cultivated beautiful flower gardens with care and enthusiasm. A lover of dogs, Linnea found great joy in her adopted Beagle, Simon. She cherished swimming and relished vacations spent visiting family, underscoring the importance of loved ones in her life.

Linnea and her husband, George, purchased and renovated a 1903 schoolhouse which she turned into their home, where she lived until her passing. Together they created a warm and welcoming environment that was a testament to their shared vision and dedication. Both her parents and her husband George predeceased her, leaving behind a legacy carried on by their loving family.

Linnea is survived by her son, Carl Bartling, and his wife Nicole; her daughter, Lisa Osman; and her beloved grandchildren, Christian and Kylie. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she derived immense happiness and pride from her relationships with them.

A celebration of Linneas life will be at 3:00 PM Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, 46804. There will be a memorial visitation two hours prior to the service, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

In luie of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to Stillwater Hospice or Fort Wayne Youth Theatre.