I worked with Lindy a few times boundary marking at Shawnee State Forest. We had long drives down in the work truck from Columbus. She was quiet but fearless. I was really excited to have another female coworker in forestry. Even though we only worked together a few times, I could tell she was someone who stood up for what she believed in and wasn't afraid to tell you how she felt. One of the guys made a comment about women and driving and she and I were all over it making sure they knew women are just as capable. I really enjoyed those days with her. The entire field of forestry and wildland firefighting will be missing out on someone with her passion and intelligence. It breaks my heart. Sending warm wishes of healing to her family.

I did not know Lindy personally, but
know almost everyone she worked with and I can assure your family that we are all numb and grieving presently. As a family you must be wondering why your loved one was taken so early, with so much promise ahead of her? We all are.
You will know that someday, but maybe not now.

May our Creator assuage the anguish in your hearts and assure you that Lindy's life was a life well lived.

Roger Hendershot, Forester
ODNR, Forestry
Zaleski CCC

From: Bella Ormseth via email: Our hearts are broken, and we are in shock over the news of Lindy's death. We were so looking forward to her joining us in the Pacific Northwest, introducing her to her extended family in Vashon, Boise, and Portland, and welcoming her to a "home away from home." We are so sorry for the loss of your dear daughter and sister. With love, Nik, Bella, and Toli

Selinde was someone I was lucky enough to meet because of band, she was nothing but a warm and bright person who was always bursting with joy. We shared a bed at Ohio University Honor Choir and I will forever remember her constant singing, happiness, and the memories of being kicked those two nights, something I can laugh about and be thankful to remember and have now. She was always someone who was sure to check in on everyone else and such a giving person to our marching band and music family. Her smile is such an unforgettable one, and one that will be missed by so many.

Selinde carried such a curiosity and boundless zeal that it was hard not to feel uplifted around her. Watching her and Lily laugh together for hours around a recent bonfire gathering, one could easily be struck with the thought that a fire was somewhat extraneous with Selinde present. Her warmth, kindness and joyful presence in the world remain a gift for all who were lucky to have spent time with her. We will miss you, boundless Selinde.

Selinde, this is so difficult to write, because you always seemed like someone who would be here forever as an inexhaustible fact of life. If I didn’t think it was a cliche to compare someone to the sun, I would do that, because there’s really no other comparison. Whenever I read the Mysterious Benedict Society books, I would picture Kate “Great Kate Weather Machine” Wetherall as you (Kate = red-bucket-carrier, bearer of long blonde ponytail, extraordinary estimator of physical measurements, possessor of acrobatic ability, someone who “weathers all,” who is raw and of the Earth). You were one of those rare people who feel as if they’re truly there with you in the moment, who make you feel that you are really confronting another human soul—it seemed like every time we spoke, no matter how few and far between those times were, you treated my existence as a thinking and feeling being as a basic fact. And that’s a wonderful way to be made to feel.
Your absence will follow me like a presence; in every breeze that sighs and flower that blooms & every time I step in the dirt with my bare feet I’ll think of you.
With lots of affection—

My dearest Lindy,

I’m pouring over pictures and trying to remember as many moments as possible and am finding that I am most grateful for the tenacity with which you lived your life. There was no opportunity that presented itself that you let pass you by. No moment you didn’t want to be constructively busy; involved in something. On our beach vacations you were always digging, or covered in sand from being buried or catching critters in the tidal river and only really still when swaddled in towels because your lips had finally turned blue after hours of swimming with Dirk and your cousins in the frigid New England ocean. Christmases with all the cousins and all the chaos and Lindy Loo Who looking for things to do and often bursting into song with a voice like Ethel Merman. The time you built the Nepali gingerbread tea house when Esme was hiking the Annapurna. If you think about it that’s really the only Christmas present she had that year when we sent her the photo. Or the time you painstakingly organized my sewing box. I’m still careful to keep it in order. This Christmas as we zoomed I may have missed out on some of the conversation because I was too busy watching you handily create ornaments out of aluminum cans. I’ve come across photos that Esme took when she and Phoebe were in Maryland that document a magical day the four of you spent in the bamboo creating sculptures and instruments that you then performed. And most of all you were tenacious in how you loved and the attachments you sought. I will always remember those deep and amazing hugs. I carry all this in my heart because it helps me to believe that you lived your short life to the fullest and made the most of every moment. You saw things through and that will be the lesson you have imparted to me. I will miss you so terribly.

With so much love from your Tante Eleanne

Selinde was an amazing niece. As far back as I can remember, she lit up every space she was in with her passion and curiosity. I loved getting to know her better over the past few years as we discussed college, careers, life in the military, and life in general, and I know she was headed for great things. I will carry her memory and example in my heart.

Thank you for showing me how to appreciate people for who they are.

Selinde was so caring, funny, and a joy to be around. She was truly great and always wanted to help other people. She was so brave in many ways, I remember she was very smart with animals and science, and was never afraid to pick up snakes or other animals.

Lindy, I am so grateful to have so many amazing memories with you. I truly saw you as an older sister who I constantly looked up to. I remember when we were at Boogie at the Bricks with Harper and his friends and I twisted my ankle stepping off one of the curbs. You were the only one that noticed and decided to carry me on your back for the rest of the night. Thank you for all the romance novels you gave me (I read all of them) but you know that because you let me call you and rant to you about them. Thank you for the T shirt you sent me for Christmas last year that said “mae” right across the front and you said you couldn’t resist buying it. Thank you for the mixtape you made me after my accident in December. I’ll never forget you or the impact you had on my life.

Selinde our whole family was incredibly blessed to have you in our lives. When you were Harper’s special person we felt like you were part of the family from day 1. I already knew how amazing your family was because of Dirks awesome mentoring of Harper and the incredible tireless hard work and joy for life of everyone in the family for band, on your land and in our university and community. Fearless was definitely your thing. You sewed beautiful patches in Harpers shirts, went with us once to our church, always helped and made everyone feel accepted and loved. You called me Mrs. Reese. You let me do your hair for prom.  I’m really going to miss seeing you around. Thanks for teaching us how to go after our dreams and Thank you for the beautiful rainbow to show us you’re waiting to meet us again in heaven.

Dear sweet Lindy,

We were only together for a few short weeks in Maryland, but words can only begin to describe the ray of light you left in my life. I just remember how care-free yet passionate you were about anything you did. I will forever cherish the memories of you braiding my hair, playing your guitar ever so beautifully, teaching me how to make friendship bracelets, giggling on the kitchen floor late at night, hunting for terrapin nests on Poplar while listening to The Beatles, and so many more. The world was so very lucky to have you in it, leaving the brightest energy wherever you went. Rest easy, you beautiful soul.

Lindy could find the fun in anything. She is central to so many of my favorite memories from our short Maryland summer together. I'm so grateful to have have called such a wonderful person my friend. Words can't describe. My deepest condolences to all who's lives were brightened by her unrivaled energy and sweetness.

Selinde was my earliest friend, she is present in my first memories, she was a sister and an inspiration to me and always will be.  She inspired my love of the outdoors, encouraged me to be adventurous, to do whatever I wanted but was too afraid to try. The examples I have are top numerous to count, but had she not been my friend, I would not be a half the person I am today. Selinde was, in every way, more full of life than anyone I have ever met. I might never have known who I wanted to be if she hadn’t challenged my limited perceptions, and there is no way to put into words everything she means to me. No tribute I can give will be a worthy one, no words I can say will cover a portion of who Selinde was, to me or anyone else, but I will remember her always. Selinde, I am forever grateful, I am forever lucky to have known you and to have been called your friend.