Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Covenant Harrison in Saginaw at the age of 77 years.

Linda Sue Tolles was born on February 21, 1949, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Lawrence and Marianne “June” (Schultz) Tolles. Linda graduated from Bridgeport High School, the class of 1967 and went on to get her nursing degree from Delta College. She loved her job as a psychiatric nurse and had a passion for helping those with mental illness. Linda met the love of her life, Edward “Randy” Merry, while attending a dance at Daniel’s Den in Saginaw. They dated, fell in love, and were married on December 13, 1969; he predeceased her on January 4, 2023, after 53 years of marriage. She was of Catholic faith. Linda cherished her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was her foundation on which her life was built. Linda particularly enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren (her “pookas”), attending all of their school and sporting events to cheer them on. Baking cookies and banana bread was her way to their hearts. She also loved her winters in Florida with Randy. Water was calming to her, so she loved to spend time on beaches, whether it was the Great Lakes, Michigan’s inland lakes, or the ocean in Florida. She also enjoyed maritime history, and visiting lighthouses. Many memories were made at family gatherings around the lakes- especially Wixom Lake.

Surviving are a son, Jason (Tracy) Merry of Midland, a daughter, Lori (Gary) Fennelly of Saginaw; four grandsons: Jacob (Hailey Gandy) Merry of Grand Rapids; Ryan (Rebecca Rowland) Merry of Grand Rapids; Brody Fennelly of Saginaw; Owen Fennelly of Saginaw; her brother Richard (Barb) Tolles. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends, including her special niece, Sherry Vasquez. Besides her husband and parents, Linda was predeceased by her siblings: Gerald Tolles, and Mary Jackson.

In accordance with Linda’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors. Please share your words of condolence with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com