Linda Ruth Vanderpool

Linda Ruth Vanderpool of Reese, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Covenant Medical Center in Saginaw. Linda was born on July 24, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Melvin and Gertrude (Dykehouse) Shaffer. After Melvin passed when she was young, Linda established a bond with her stepfather Rhinehold Gadel, who also preceded her in death. She worked for Walboro, then TI Automotive, in Caro until her retirement, and spent much of her free time volunteering with the Saginaw Children’s Zoo and Studio 23 in Bay City. Linda was an extroverted and social woman, enjoying her time as a member of the Caro Loyal Order of the Moose and visiting every one of her grandkids’ sporting events. She lived for her family and loved any chance she had to get together with them, especially around the holidays. Linda is remembered as being a loving and supportive woman who was a little feisty at times, but who was always there for her family.

Linda is survived by her sons, Matt (Lindsey) Dembowske and Adam Vanderpool; and grandchildren, Emilee Dembowske and Ronin Dembowske; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, close friend Linda Altizer, and her beloved dog Bear.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her sister, Sally Bierlein.

The family will be present to receive guests from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Caro, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI. The visitation will be concluded with a time of remembrance and sharing, starting at 7:00 p.m., with cremation to follow. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.