Urania B. "Rainy" Linn

Urania B. "Rainy" Linn, 85, a well-known resident of Franklin passed away unexpectedly at 5:13 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh.

Born in Washington, PA on January 9, 1934 she was the daughter of the late Lloyd D. and Mary Hamilton Linn.

She attended school in Washington County and was selected as an exchange student in the IFYE Program, going to Luxembourg. She was able to return there in later years to visit her host family.

After graduation from high school, Rainy obtained her Bachelor's Degree in home economics from Juniata College.

Rainy moved to Venango County in 1956 after accepting a position as the home economist for the Venango County Extension Service. She was credited as one of the founders of the Venango County 4-H Fair, which was started in 1959. She held the position of County Extension Director, and when she retired in 1995 the large meeting hall at the fairgrounds was named "Rainy Linn Hall". Over the years she had held several other positions on the Venango County Fair Board, but at the time of her passing she was the treasurer, a position which she held for more than 20 years. Rainy poured her heart and soul into the 4-H program for Venango County, helping to mold the program into what it is today. She was a role model to the youth throughout the years, and commented frequently that she had known three or four generations of families through the 4-H program.

Throughout her career, she earned the respect, not only of her coworkers here in Venango County, but of colleagues throughout the country. In 1968, she was presented with the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Home Economists. She was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame during the centennial observance in 2002.

After her retirement as the County Extension Director Rainy took on another role as president of the Venango County Historical Society, a position which she held for more than 20 years. She was known as the spokesperson for the society, representing it at county and state functions.

She was also active in the Venango Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and had served many years as Treasurer.

Rainy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she held a number of offices over the years, including: Deacon, Elder and Treasurer. She was currently the Treasurer of the Presbyterian Women's Association. For many years, she and Pauline Moore used their talents and love for the farm and harvest season to enhance the altar of the church.

She had also been a member of the Oil City-Franklin Branch of Zonta International, and worked on outreach programs for that organization.

Rainy was involved in so many organizations and was often recognized for her dedication. In 1987 she was presented with the Woman of the Year Award for her outstanding volunteer and service work in the community from the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce. Another honor came in 2018 when she received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, recognizing her service in educating the youth of the county and her service in helping others.

Her quiet, unassuming nature and dedication to service endeared her to many.

Surviving are her nephews: Thomas Linn, of Claysville and Lloyd D. Brock; three grandnieces and one grandnephew of Vermont; close family friends, Diane Seeling and her husband, Paul, of Canton, OH, and their children, Megan Dye and her husband, Matthew, of Gilbert, AZ, and Jennifer Seeling of Canal Fulton, OH.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Lloyd D. Linn, Jr.; a sister, Mary Lee West; and a nephew, James Linn.

A special thanks to Brad Deeter and Chris Nicklin for all their help and care to Rainy.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 312 W. Park Street, Franklin, PA where family and friends are welcome from 3:00 PM -7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 23, 2019.

A funeral service will take place at First Presbyterian Church, 1250 Elk Street, Franklin, PA at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 24, 2019, with Rev. Barry Jenkins, officiating.

Interment will take place at 1:00 PM, Friday, October 25, 2019 at Washington Cemetery, in Washington, PA.

Memorial contributions can be made to Venango County 4H - Penn State Extension, 867 Mercer Road, Franklin, PA 16323, or the Venango County Historical Society, 307 S. Park Street, Franklin, PA 16323.

Online condolences and flowers can be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com