Oneonta - Linda Lou (Utter) Herring, 78, passed away at home on September 19, 2026. 

Born on January 9, 1948, at A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, she was the daughter of the late Grace H. (Goss) and Walter J. Utter.

She was a graduate of Oneonta High School, Class of 1966, the second class graduating from the new high school. While in high school she discovered her passion for sewing and maintained that through her life with making clothes for her children and later quilting various items. 

Linda married James E. Herring on June 8, 1968, and they shared 57 wonderful years together, full of love with family always first, and enjoying many memorable trips before his passing on January 20, 2026. 

After attending the Edwards School of Beauty, Linda worked at Edward's Salon. When a salon opened up for rent on Cedar Street, Oneonta, she owned and operated Linda’s Beauty Salon. After purchasing a home on Butler Street, she moved her business there; her clients were her friends and extended family. She retired from hairdressing after 39 years in 2005 due to health issues. She began working at Silks and Treasures until its closing in 2026, where she made many new friends and loved every minute of retail therapy. Additionally, Linda served as the Town of Oneonta West End pool manager for 19 years and was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Susquehanna Valley Quilters.

She is survived by her wonderful children and grandchildren who always brightened her day! Her son Brian and his wife Jennifer, along with their children Ethan, all of Garrattsville, and Erin of Albany; her daughter Karen and her husband Duane Bostic, along with their son Jackson, all of Charleston, SC; her half-brothers, Rodney Whitney and Thomas (Sue) Whitney; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her step-sister, Dorothy Jane and her husband, Larry Hubler.

A celebration of life will be 5 p.m., October 16 at the Oneonta Elks Lodge, 84-86 Chestnut St., Oneonta.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Posey Shelter Pet, 1874 Fish Creek Road, Cedartown, GA 30125, where Jim and Linda rescued their beloved dog, Lucky.

Arrangements are entrusted with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Family Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta (www.lhpfuneralhome.com)