Karla Rothan, along friends and loved ones, established this fund to honor the memory of her late spouse, Linda Lee Schuler, who passed away in October 2022.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Linda was a Columbus resident since infancy. She Linda attended West High School and was a member of the esteemed Westkets drill team. She went on to study political science and received a bachelor’s degree in speech and theatre from The Ohio State University. After college, Linda worked for the City of Columbus’ Recreation and Parks Department. She founded the Park Playhouse Children’s Drama Company and was a Senior Center Director until she retired in 1999. Linda settled in Victorian Village and became an urban pioneer. She was one of the first women in Columbus to receive a loan to purchase, renovate, and restore property. Linda was honored for her restoration work as one of the Short North Business Association’s 2013 Unsung Heroes.

In 1997, Linda became a volunteer for Stonewall Columbus where she chaired the Columbus Pride Parade for 22 years. Linda also created the Trailblazer Program at Stonewall which provides social, educational, and health-related opportunities and support for older LGBTQ adults. Linda was honored for her outstanding service promoting LGBTQ rights with The Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Award and the City of Columbus’ Steven Shellabarger Illuminati Award. In 2021, Linda was inducted into the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, and in 2023 she will receive the Legacy Fund Honors Award from the Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation.

This fund will help carry on Linda’s fine work and tremendous legacy.