Linda Beppler (Scothorn, Akins)

Linda Jean Beppler Scothorn (Akins) was born on March 19, 1942 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Ellis and Kathryn (nee Burket) Beppler. She shared her birthday and middle name with her favorite Aunt, Jean Fishel. She had a dear, older sister Nancy, whom she adored. They lived in Findlay with their grandparents while their father was serving overseas in Germany during WWII. She described big family picnics in the yard and climbing on the roof to pick cherries off of the neighbors tree! After her father returned, they relocated to the Burket homestead in Rawson, OH to raise chickens. The family moved back to Findlay, OH when Linda was in the 4th grade. Linda had fond memories of family reunions in Pennsylvania and going to Niagara Falls and wading in the Ohio river. She graduated from Findlay HS in 1961. She received a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Bowling Green State University and completed her masters in marine biology there as well in 1965. Linda spent one year as a graduate assistant, setting up a lab to develop what would become the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. She lived on Put-n Bay Island in Lake Erie for 8 weeks during that time. She received her graduate degree the same day her daughter Kathi was born.

Linda met her first husband Bill while working for Eastman-Kodak while in college. They were married in Findlay in 1963. They welcomed 4 daughters and one son during their marriage. In 1969 they moved their young family to Kalamazoo where Linda resided most of her life. Linda is survived by her children: Kathi Campbell; Bonnie (Craig) Sutherby; Betsi Scothorn (Joe Marzka); Andrew (Niki) Scothorn and Nancy Scothorn. Her grandchildren include: Andre Campbell; Kyle, Shawn and Sam Sutherby; Hannah and Christian Strong; James Scothorn; Emily (Bryan) Robinson, Amanda (Josh) Sponable, Rowan Jackson; Rose Berglund and great-granddaughter Adeline Sponable. Linda was also survived by her elder sister Nancy Ventresco who has lost her beloved sister; Niece Tracey (Tom) Hogan, Nephews Scott (Marlene) Ventresco and Dana Ventresco (Lizette Sanner).

She was preceded in death by her first grandchild Daunte John Campbell in 2011 and the father of her children, W. William (Bill) Scothorn in August 2024.

Linda spent the majority of her career in teaching. She was an instructor in science, biology & medical terminology at Davenport College, taught at Old Central High School in Adult education, and tutored many students. Linda had a flair and a talent for putting together creative lesson plans. She was a lifelong scholar and was highly regarded by her students and her peers. She volunteered as a camp counselor, Girl Scout leader and worked with single moms (absentee father families) and women in domestic violence situations, helping to provide them with guidance and training as they set out to find their own means. She generously opened her home many times to friends in need.

What was most sacred to Linda was her faith to the Church of Latter-Day Saints for over 55 years. She was a dedicated and steadfast member of the congregation. Linda was very active in teaching the children and youth of the church. Later in life, she served 3 missions for her church in Fort Jackson, SC, during the six years she lived there. She earned the honorary rank of First Lieutenant as a chaplain. She enjoyed serving as a missionary and working with the young army recruits from all over the country. She loved visiting the church’s many temples. She developed strong, long lasting friendships and was loved and visited regularly by members of the church even to the end. Linda was blessed with many rare gems for friends.

Family was very important to Linda. She maintained close relationships with many extended family members and was very proud of her children and grandchildren, and their varying interests. Linda was an accomplished genealogist and spent many hours researching her ancestry and lineage. She worked in the family history center of her church and enjoyed doing the detective work to find long lost ancestors, often visiting cemeteries and libraries all over the country. She had hundreds of books and records of her interests. Linda was a lifelong scholar, always curious.

Linda was a lover of nature, a wild creature at heart. It was enlightening to take a walk in the woods with her. She would point out the many wildflowers, birds and creatures that might otherwise go unnoticed to the casual observer. Linda passed that love and interest on to many others. She had an immense amount of knowledge of Flora and Fauna, particularly birds. Her home was always filled with the artwork of birds. Linda put up bird feeders wherever she lived and kept a life list of sightings of her dear birds. She looked for them everywhere she went, making notes and documenting her findings. She served as a docent at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and went on many trips to the Kalamazoo Nature Center, The World Bird Sanctuary in Benton Harbor, MI, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge in the Upper Peninsula, and Point Pelee, Canada. She marched through many marshes, bogs and wild spaces as well as her own backyard in search of birds. She spent many, many hours towards the end of her life watching the birds from her window. Her children kept the feeders full and she enjoyed all the visits from her feathered visitors immensely.

Linda had a variety of interests and hobbies. She loved traveling, visiting museums, state and national parks, sewing, and quilting to name a few. She listened to a wide variety of music and loved to sing. The group Peter, Paul and Mary, musicals, opera, classical and hymns were among her favorites. She regularly enjoyed the concerts in Bronson Park and shows at the Barn Theatre.

Linda loved poetry. She was surrounded by books of poems. A particular favorite of hers was Carl Sandburg, and visiting his home national historic site in NC was very important and meaningful to her. Other notable trips for Linda were the ones she took to see the Holy Land and Jordan, Alaska and Hawaii.

Linda died peacefully in her home after a long illness, surrounded by her family. She was cared for by her 5 children and their families. Her amazing home health aid Lorie K. was invaluable in giving her time, love and assistance. Her team at Centrica Hospice were extraordinary. They were beyond professional and kind. Nurse Susan, Aids Phylecia and Christa, and Social Worker Heather were integral in providing a structured & supportive environment. Their compassion meant a great deal to all, making a very difficult and at times trying situation much more bearable. They made it possible for Linda to remain in her home to the end, her wish fulfilled.

There will be a funeral at the Church of Latter-Day Saints, date to follow.

Donations in her honor and memory can be made to the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary or the Kalamazoo Nature Center.