Linda J. Dunkle, 84, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at South Mountain Memory Care in Emmaus. She was the devoted partner and best friend of N. Mead Dunkle, with whom she built a lifetime of love and a passport full of travel memories.

Originally from Lima, Ohio, Linda was the daughter of the late Paul and J. Marcille Karrick. She brought her Ohio roots to Pennsylvania, graduating from the former Kutztown State Teacher’s College with a degree in education. While she was a teacher by trade, Linda’s true calling was found at home, where she poured her energy and kindness into her roles as a mother, friend, and grandmother.

Linda carried her love of teaching into her church community as a longtime member of Brookside Community Church in Macungie (formerly Macungie Church of the Nazarene). She was a familiar face for many years, leading Vacation Bible School and sharing her faith while serving in children’s and adult Sunday School ministries.

She is held in the hearts of her husband, Mead, and her children: Joyce Shirer and husband, Bill; Tammy Davis and husband, Chad; Dave Dunkle and Joanne Soriano; Dianna Colabella and husband, Andrew; Ken Dunkle and wife, Sharon; and Sheila Dunkle. Linda was immensely proud of her grandchildren: John Sokol and Derek Shirer; Dalia and Ben Davis; Nathaniel Dunkle; Olivia Colabella; Justin, Collin, Brendan, and Owen Dunkle; and Austin Dunkle. Her legacy also lives on through her great-grandchildren: Nate Sokol, and Layla and Arlo Vickers. She is also remembered by her brother, Brian Karrick and his wife, Marlene, and joins her late sister, Meredith Dunkle, who preceded her in death.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held in May for family and close friends. Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.