Obituary

Linda Gilmore Koval was born March 5, 1950, in Syracuse, NY, and passed away, surrounded by the love of her family, on July 18, 2024, in Charleston, WV.

Linda spent much of her childhood growing in Pittsburgh, PA, with five siblings, four sisters and one brother. She also met her partner and husband for life in Pittsburgh, Joe Koval. Linda grew up in the Christian Science faith with a very strict and pious mother, which gave her quite the disciplined side. Joe had a bit more of the wild side in him at first, but he knew he had found someone he couldn’t lose when he met and got to know Linda. The two made a perfect pair, traveling the US, camping in the Rocky Mountains, and even spending time together in Spain where Joe was studying. Even now, Joe attributes his ability to finish his bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Linda.

Linda settled down with Joe in Charleston, WV, where they had two boys. Linda got involved in the local Christian Science church community and made lifelong friends. Linda eventually began working as an academic tutor for West Virginia State University’s Student Support Services and Upward Bound program where she helped change the lives of countless students in need. Linda has a bachelor’s in biology, and she loved to tutor biology, among other subjects at WV State. She also loved the outdoors and wildlife. She would often spend hours sitting outside her home, reading, soaking in the sun, and gardening. She knew the names of all sorts of trees and insects around West Virginia, and she loved to tell you about it.

Linda also enjoyed helping out around Charleston. She participated in the construction of the original Celebration Station playground near built in the 1990s, where she loved to bring her children to play.

Linda is survived by her husband Joe; her two sons, three sisters, one brother, and many nieces and nephews.

Everyone loves her and misses her dearly.

You may send condolences to Linda’s family at www.barlowbonsall.com .

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

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5 responses to Linda Gilmore Koval

Donna Gilmore Pierce says:

November 3, 2024

Dearest Linda,
You were the best big sister. 🩵 I remember as kids walking in the woods behind our house in Pennsylvania, and we collected leaves while you told us all about the different trees. 🍁🍂 We are blessed with many joyful and loving family memories. I will miss our long conversations, and your passing leaves a hole in my heart, until we meet again… 🕊️ I love you, Donna

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Jenny Morris says:

August 3, 2024

To Joe, James and Harry, we will be missing Linda very much. She was one of my first friends when we moved to Charleston in the early 90’s. She was a huge part of helping me get my career started by caring for my children. I always knew they were in good hands and they all are still so fond of time spent with her. She made me a better mother than I knew how to be.

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Melinda Jenkins Wines says:

July 30, 2024

My condolences to Joe, James and Harry. Linda will be very much missed by all who loved her. I met Linda when I first started attending the Christian Science church in Charleston. She answered a lot of my questions about the church and made me feel very welcomed. Before long, we had become good friends. I never saw Linda without a smile on her face, and she loved helping people in any way that she was needed. She always put other people’s needs before hers. I thank God who truly blessed me and others with Linda’s friendship and love.

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Sherry Jack Hill says:

July 29, 2024

It’s so sad to lose you for you were a wonderful neighbor and person, a great wife and and most caring mother. You were sunshine to everyone you knew. So thankful to have known you. Sending love and sympathy to you Joe, her husband and to you her sons, James and Harry. God bless.

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Greg Gray says:

July 28, 2024

I am so very sorry to learn of Linda’s passing. She was such a very nice and good person. She and Joe were the perfect pair, and I will always remember their devotion to each other. My sincere condolences to Joe, James Ross and Harry.

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