Linda J. Childers

Linda Jean Childers, age 64, of Stillman Valley, Illinois passed away on Thursday, July 25th, 2024. Linda was born in Rockford, Illinois on May 25th, 1960, to Harold and Doris DeVries. As a child, Linda traveled extensively with her family and got to see many areas of the United States at an early age. Linda was a graduate of Guilford High School and Rock Valley College. Words cannot express how beautiful of a person she was, but a start is that she was graceful, generous, kind, and strong. Linda was a devoted and loving mother, always putting her children above herself. Throughout her life, Linda was a lover of her pet dogs Tammy, Mickey, Boe, Otis, Howard, Maryann, and Frank. Linda was an avid reader and frequented the Julia Hull Library in Stillman Valley. Linda was a person who was able to find beauty and enjoyment in the little things. She loved going on walks, admiring flowers, sitting by the water, and listening to the radio. Linda was a passionate Green Bay Packers fan. She loved vacationing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin building years of memories on the lakes fishing with her sons, enjoying the beauty of nature, and especially admiring the loons. Another favorite place of Linda’s was Naples, Florida where her parents, Harold and Doris resided in the winters. She loved the beach, dolphins, and collecting shells along the shoreline. Linda was a kidney transplant recipient in September of 2019. She went on to develop a friendship with her living donor, Joy Johnson. Linda was forever grateful to her for the gift of life. Linda was a strong advocate for Donate Life and the National Kidney Association. Linda started her career working at Hilander in Rockford. Linda was also employed in the banking industry working at First National Bank and Amcore Bank. Linda put her career on hold to raise her two sons, Nate and Zac, one of her proudest achievements and happiest periods of her life. For the last 14 years of her life, she was employed at the United Way of Rock River Valley. By working at the United Way, Linda found satisfaction in knowing that she was a part of an organization devoted to helping the community. Linda is survived by her father, Harold DeVries; sister, Vicki Middleton; children, Nate (Sarah) Childers, and Zac (Amanda) Childers; step-grandchildren, Kennedy and Audrey; uncles, Martin Neff and Roger DeVries; aunt, Donna DeVries; niece, Samantha Middleton; cousins, Jerry, Susan, Pam, Troy, Micheal, and Sandy. She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris DeVries; mother-in-law, Marge Childers; aunt, Shirley Neff; uncle, Dennis DeVries. A private Memorial dinner will be held at Lino’s Italian Restaurant in Rockford, Illinois. Lino’s is one of her favorite restaurants where a lot of family events and celebrations took place. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The National Kidney Foundation and may be directed to her family.

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