Linda M. Dechert, 75, of Jonestown, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at WellSpan York Hospital. She is survived by the love of her life, Michael H. Dechert. In October, they would have celebrated 58 years of marriage.
Born in Lebanon on Dec. 7, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Ernest R. and Edith E. (Henry) Stichler. She worked at Kreider’s Shoe Factory, and that’s where the 58-year love story began. She also worked at Hershey Foods for many years before starting her in-home daycare. She loved this job; she was blessed to be able to care for most of her grandchildren. She loved her family beyond words. She enjoyed camping, puzzles, the beach, lighthouses, birds, and flowers.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by their children, Robert, husband of Kathy Dechert, of Jonestown, Lori Imler, and her companion, Chris Fraser, of Pine Grove, Melissa, wife of Dennis Swoyer, of Jonestown, and Kelly, wife of Ruel Reigle, of Annville. She was blessed with nine grandchildren, Ronald Dechert, Samantha Parker, Daniel Imler, Dylan Swoyer, Melinda Lehman, Kurtis Reigle, Heather Reigle, Makayla Swoyer, and Carter Swoyer. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Evelyn Reigle, Addyson Swoyer, Leah Swoyer, Landon Imler, Alaina Parker, Lydia Imler, and Emersyn Lehman; brothers, Ray R., husband of Susan Stichler, of Grantville, and Richard A., husband of Julie Stichler, of Palmyra; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by their son, Steven Allen Dechert.
Linda was a true ray of sunshine and always had a smile on her face. She loved her family more than anything else. She had a servant heart and was a true believer in God.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 6 Boundary Road, Grantville, PA 17028. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
