January 1, 1957 – July 13, 2026
“We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives. We are merely in different rooms”.
-Paulo Coelho
With profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude for a life well lived, the Gaba, Dukuly, and Richards families announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother, Linda Mae Ayele Gaba-Richards, who peacefully departed this life on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, at the age of 69.
Linda was born on January 1, 1957, at 3:00 p.m., to her late parents, Viola and Klaus Gaba, beginning a life marked by compassion, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Linda spent her formative years in Gbarnga, Bong County, where she attended the W.V.S. Tubman Elementary School. With her two elder brothers, Linda later matriculated to the Lutheran Training Institute in Salayea, Lofa County, where she completed high school. After high school, Linda, affectionately known as “Granny” by her close family and friends, attended Cuttington University College in Suacoco, Liberia, where she earned a BSc in nursing. She also completed graduate studies in nursing at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Linda believed deeply in the importance of family. She found joy in gathering loved ones together and celebrating life’s milestones. She will be remembered as a hardworking woman of dignity, integrity, and faith who unselfishly provided for her family despite sometimes pressing challenges.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Hiltard; her parents, Klaus and Viola Gaba; her brothers, Octavius and Anani; and her cousin, Kebbeh.
Ayele’s precious memories will be cherished by her children, Viola, Meetee, Leah, and Garmonyou; her beloved grandchildren, Shiloh, Chrislinda, Isaac, Levi, Natalie, Zaria, Adora, Janari, Lee, Peace, Marian, and Jones. Jr.; her brothers, Kwasi (Kim), Laud, and Jepthah (Lorpu); her sister, Elfrieda; her aunt, Millie; and a host of relatives and friends in Togo, Liberia, Sweden, Ghana, South Africa, and the USA.
May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory forever be a blessing.
Funeral Arrangements are as follows:
Wake Keeping: Friday, August 21, 2026 @ 6:00 pm
East Livingston Baptist Church @6500 East Livingston Avenue, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Funeral Services: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Visitation @ 9:00 – 9:30 am, Funeral Services @ 9:30 am
East Livingston Baptist Church @6500 East Livingston Avenue, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Interment:
Glenn Rest Cemetery, 1829 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
Family Contacts:
Viola Richards (614-584-0659)
Leah Quaye ( 612-886-4589)
Laud Gaba (770-330-4609)
Kwasi Gaba (404-964-9486)
Accommodations:
True by Hilton https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/s/ox3oP45KLEqct7ve7
Holiday Inn https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/s/JvxaBwTs4hM3bDef9
Home2suites https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/s/PFzB1GqtXPskMFsD7
Use “Richards Funeral” to obtain group rate.
