Lavan Tutwiler Linhoss

LaVan Tutwiler Linhoss, age 104, of Bridgewater, died June 21, 2026 at Bridgewater Home.

She was born September 6, 1921 in Augusta County, a daughter of the late Otis Hampton Tutwiler and Lillian Bauserman Tutwiler.

She was one of four sisters, and grew up in Mt. Crawford.

LaVan graduated from Bridgewater High School and attended Harrisonburg Business School. She retired from Rockingham Memorial Hospital as a Unit Secretary in coronary care.

She was a longtime member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg.

In Oct. 1995, she married John C. Linhoss of Staunton, who preceded her in death in 2020.

She is survived by a son, Gary J. Hensley and wife, Brenda, of Harrisonburg; a daughter, Linda H. Harter and husband, Joseph, of Bridgewater; a sister, Marie T. Chaplin of Bridgewater; three grandchildren, Brian Harter (Mary) of Weyers Cave; Brandon Harter of Verona; and Alexis Smith (Rob) of CA; five great-grandchildren, Alexandra Wassily and Joseph D. Harter of VA, and Ava, Sidney, and Grayson Smith of CA.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Edith Kincheloe, and Ruth Harris and beloved granddaughter, Tracy Hensley.

LaVan will be buried in Mt. Crawford in a family graveside service followed by a memorial service at Covenant Presbyterian Church at a later date.

Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater is entrusted with arrangements.