With profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude for a life well lived, the Gaba and Richards families announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt, mother,grandmother, educator, and friend, 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. She spent her formative years in Gbarnga, Bong County, where she attended W.V.S. Tubman Elementary School. Alongside her two elder brothers,

Linda later matriculated to the Lutheran Training Institute in Salayea, Lofa County, where she completed high school. After graduation, Linda, affectionately known as "Granny" by her family and close friends, attended Cuttington University College in Suacoco, Liberia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Proudly referring to her nursing degree as "her degree on her back," Linda began her professional career as a nursing instructor at TNIMA while also working part-time at Cooper's Clinic in Monrovia. In 1982, she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue graduate studies in nursing at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon completing her studies, she returned to Liberia and joined the nursing faculty at her alma mater, Cuttington University College. It was there that she met the love of her life, Mr. Hitlard Richards, whom she married on December 19, 1987.

During the harrowing Liberian civil war in 1996, Linda and her family sought refuge in Côte d’Ivoire before eventually immigrating to the United States. She served as a nursing instructor at Chamberlain College of Nursing and concluded her distinguished career at Heart of Ohio Family Health.

Throughout her life, Linda exemplified kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. She was lovingly known as "Grandma" to many in the community and was a pillar of strength and support to countless women and families throughout Columbus, Ohio.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hitlard Richards; her parents, Klaus and Viola Gaba; her brothers, Octavius and Anani Gaba; and her cousin Kebbeh.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her children, Viola, Meetee, Leah, Love Zeah, Youmondeh Koffa and Garmonyou; her beloved grandchildren, Shiloh Moses, Chrislinda Quaye, Isaac Richards, Levi Akinrinola, Natalie Akinrinola, Zaria S. Zeah, Adora B. Zeah, Janari Zeah, Lee Zeah, Peace Zeah, Marian Zeah, and Jones I. Koffa Jr.; her brothers, Kwasi (Kim), Laud, and Jepthah (Lorpu); her sister, Elfrieda; her aunt, Millie; and a host of relatives and friends.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18

May Linda Mae Ayele Gaba Richards rest in eternal peace, and may her memory forever be a blessing.