GREENVILLE — People from across Darke County descended upon Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville Wednesday to wish Daily Advocate reporter Linda Moody best wishes as she leaves after 50 years with the newspaper.
Linda was the recipient of hugs, laughs, cake, and a torrent of cards and gifts as more than 100 well wishers attended her retirement party.
The volume of congratulations offered made the retiring journalist struggle for words.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “I didn’t realize that many people would come. It’s really shocking, but it was wonderful seeing people I haven’t seen for a long time.”
“By talking with me, they reminded me of memories, things that I’ve done,” she added, wishing to express her thanks for all those who came to wish her well.
Linda started her run at The Daily Advocate in 1967, first as a proofreader and typesetter before transitioning to reporter in 1974. Over the course of many decades, she has specialized in human interest stories, featuring in-depth personal tales of the joys and heartaches of people throughout the area.
Among the visitors to Linda’s retirement party were Darke County Commissioners Matt Aultman, Mike Stegall and Mike Rhoades, who presented her with a proclamation declaring May 24, 2017, as “Linda Moody Day” in Darke County.
“Linda has been a tremendous asset to Darke County for a long time,” said Stegall. “She’s going to be missed. She’s always treated everybody fairly. Everybody knows her. It’s going to be hard.”
“There’s been a lot of history between me and Linda through all the years — plowing matches, everything we’ve done. You guys are going to miss her. She’s been a cornerstone for the Advocate for 50 years,” added Rhoades.
Former State Representative Jim Buchy also showed up to offer his congratulations.
“The neat thing about Linda Moody is she has developed a loyalty to the Advocate and the Darke County Community,” he said. “In all the years that she reported, she always reported and accentuated the positive in this community we live in.”
“She’s a throwback,” Buchy added. “When you dedicate 50 years of service to an employer, and invest the time and effort on the wellbeing of the community, in the capacity she did, it just doesn’t get any better than that, and Linda Moody is an all-star.”
Darke County Chamber of Commerce President Sharon Deschambeau said it’s rare that somebody works for a single employer for such a lengthy amount of time.
“You just don’t find somebody who’s worked for an employer for 50 years,” she said. “She’s done a phenomenal job with everybody that she’s touched. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like Linda Moody.”
The Chamber of Commerce Board honored Linda’s accomplishment with its Community Recognition Award.
“Linda Moody is recognized for 50 years of dedication and loyalty to her employer, The Daily Advocate,” the award read. “The citizens, schools, churches, organizations, and businesses of Darke County have benefited from her devotion to profession and community.”
Linda also received commendations from U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson and from Ohio Senators Bill Beagle and Matt Huffman.
Despite the many accolades for her lengthy journalism career, the outpouring from the community made it obvious Linda was more than just a reporter — she was a daughter, a cousin, a sister, a friend, and a mother.
Perhaps her son Jamie phrased it simply, and best: “She’s the best mom in the world.”
