Linda E. Tofte's Obituary
TOFTE, Linda E., age 77, of Bellbrook and formerly of Beavercreek, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Linda was a deeply loving and caring person who led by example. Her gentle and accepting persona influenced many people in her roles as wife, mother, daughter, friend, and boss. In addition to managing the home and caring for her family, she also enjoyed gardening, sewing, traveling, music, and caring for others. While living in Ohio, she attended Aley United Methodist Church and the Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Linda lived her life with the high-quality character traits people value in others, and she had an independent spirit admired by many. From marrying young to raising children alone at times during her husband’s frequent business trips, to designing her own flower and vegetable gardens and sewing patterns, Linda lived life with purpose and on her terms. Linda’s example will undoubtedly leave a legacy for generations of her family members to come.
As a master seamstress, Linda greatly enjoyed making PJs for the grandkids, tablecloths, curtains, pillows, and clothes for herself. She also made bed skirts and curtains for her home. Linda thoroughly enjoyed flower gardening, and during her younger days, she and her husband meticulously kept a huge vegetable garden. Her passion for sewing and gardening was an activity passed down from Linda’s mother. She took pride in the results of her sewing and gardening and passed this on to others.
Linda and Paul greatly enjoyed traveling together. In addition to visiting 46 of the 50 states in the United States, they also visited several destinations in Europe, including France, Belgium, Ireland, England, Holland, Italy, and more. Highlights for Linda were Monet’s Garden at Giverny and the formal tulip gardens of Keukenhof. They visited Hawaii twice, with Kauai, the “Garden Isle”, being Linda’s favorite island due to the beauty of the wildlife and landscape.
Linda enjoyed music of all genres. She didn’t play any instruments; her voice was her instrument. Whether singing in the choir, harmonizing with her mother and sister or singing along with the radio, Linda’s clear soprano voice brought joy to those who heard it.
Among many things, Linda will be remembered for her warmhearted, supportive, and thoughtful mindset. Always engaged in her children’s education and foundation, she intervened to get increased and more difficult assignments when necessary to ensure her children were challenged. Linda insisted on proper grammar and correct spelling, even when writing casual notes or messages. In another noteworthy role, Linda served as the director of lay pastoring while attending Aley United Methodist Church in Beavercreek, collecting sheep figurines as a symbol of this work. In her later years, she found these encouraging during difficult times.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Merle Sweet; one brother, Dennis Sweet; and her sister, Barbara Kallerud. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Paul; two sons, Wayne (Brigitte) Tofte and Keith (Tammy) Tofte; five grandchildren, Andrew Golden, Jackson Tofte, Kerrigan Tofte, Lola Myers, and Tyler Myers; and one brother, Curt (Suzanne) Sweet.
A graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Monday, December 15, at the Dayton National Cemetery. Celebrant Katie Mackoway will be officiating the service. A memorial service in early spring 2026 will also be announced soon. If desired, contributions may be made in Linda’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/. Condolences to the family may be made at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linda?
Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
How did Linda make you smile?
