Linda Statz

Linda Lou (Bahler) Statz passed away surrounded by her children on June 10, 2024. She lived her entire life in and around Holyoke.

Linda was born on Nov. 19, 1947. Linda was devoted to family and community. Professionally, she worked as a bookkeeper and later county treasurer. Once she retired, she volunteered her bookkeeping expertise at multiple churches. She and her husband Ralph also owned and operated the Peerless Theater for about a decade. She was a very active volunteer, participating wherever there was a need. She taught citizenship and computer classes, worked the blood bank, fairgrounds, various parades, scouts, PTA, band Smorgasbord, senior meals and much, much more. Linda went the extra mile to not only participate, but also to become an officer and help lead efforts.

She loved genealogy and took many trips meeting relatives and searching for more. She was amazing at keeping facts straight and keeping in touch with a large number of people. She and her husband Ralph took up square dancing and could be seen in loud and colorful outfits that everyone expected from Linda. She loved jewelry and was often seen with rings covering all fingers as well as dangling earrings and beautiful necklaces. She was a motorcycle enthusiast and got a big kick out of giving the preacher a ride on her trike in the snow. She enjoyed traveling and experiencing new things, but always brought back the highlights to share with the community, often ensuring her photos sported her holding a copy of The Holyoke Enterprise. She loved to cook, experimenting and making many meals to share with friends and family. Rarely did you see Linda sitting still, but if you did, odds are she was also working on some craft project.

Linda touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by brother Ray Bahler; children Ralph (Chip) Statz Jr., Robyn Jamison and Ralyn Ralston; and grandchildren Josh Ralston, Ashley Wilson, Julia Walker and Alex Jamison.

Linda is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Statz; parents Eldon and Stella (McEwen) Bahler; and brothers Jimmie Lee and Richard Bahler.

A service and celebration of life will be held on July 20 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Holyoke. Linda will be laid to rest at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery next to Ralph.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sunset View Senior Center of Holyoke.