Ruth Darlene "Linky" Hochstetler

RUTH DARLENE “LINKY” HOCHSTETLER, lovingly called Nonnie, was born on September 11, 1937, in Connersville, Indiana. Most people knew her as Linky - the youngest of ten siblings, the final link in a family full of love.

She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 15, 2025, at the age of 87 in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Linky was the daughter of Minnie and George Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob) Hochstetler, MD, and her beloved son, Charles (Chuckie) Zingale.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherri Zingale-Meador (husband Garnett), and her grandchildren, Courtney Pona (husband Chuck), Kylie Turner (husband Josh “Adam”), and Cameron (Cami) Meador, and her great-grandchildren, Leni Rose Pona and Benjamin Charles Turner.

She is also survived by her two stepdaughters, Linda Gardner (husband Bill) and Kay Novak (husband Dave), and her stepson, Bruce Hochstetler, along with her step-grandchildren, Mason and Hanna Gardner, Clay and Luke Novak, and Nikki and Johnny Hochstetler.

Linky was the last of her siblings to pass, following her seven sisters and two brothers: Verna (Vernie), Carl, Bonny (Jackie), Thomas, Myrtle (Myrt), Helen (Jessie), Georgia (Georgie), Betty (Toty), and Phylis (PeeWee).

She graduated from Shaw High School, where she was a cheerleader and remained close with many of her classmates throughout her life. In her early twenties, she worked as a stewardess for Eastern Airlines, traveling all over the United States, a time she always remembered fondly.

Outside of being with her family, you could always find her dancing, sharing laughter, and lighting up any room with her smile. She loved playing cards and games, the occasional casino outing, and was especially known for hosting unforgettable family picnics and celebrations - creating cherished memories for her 22 nieces and nephews and the many loved ones she brought together with joy, food, and love.

Above all, Linky was one in a million - she loved and forgave fiercely. Her heart was always open, and her arms always wide to anyone who crossed her path. Her legacy lives on in the love she poured into every life she touched.

In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Darlene to Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, 1700 East 13th Street, Suite 114, Cleveland, OH 44114.

Funeral services at Knollwood Cemetery on Thursday July 24, 2025. SERVICES WILL BE PRIVATE.

Arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS.