Linda R. Ward

Linda R. Ward, 74, of Smiths Grove, KY, formerly of Galesburg died at 3:32 p.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021. Linda was born August 9, 1947 in Galesburg, the daughter of Benjamin James and Ruth Elizabeth (Cecil) Simpson. She is survived by two daughters, Teresa (Lowell) Martin of Smiths Grove, KY and Karen (Bob) Decker of Henderson, IL; three grandkids, Brandon (Tiffany), Tanner (Sara), Trace (Sydney); two great grandkids, McKenzie and Beau. Linda is also survived by two sisters, Jane (Allen) Mahnesmith of Wataga, IL and Joyce (Joe) Castro of Tulare, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, James Simpson; and a sister, Dorothy Ping. Linda graduated from Costa Catholic High School. She worked at Galesburg Mental Health Center for a while and later worked at Walmart for over 20 years. She loved to read, play cards and crochet. Linda enjoyed spending time with her grandkids. Linda was a member of Wataga Senior Center and the Red Hat Society. She was of the Catholic faith. Cremation has been accorded. Private family burial will be at Wataga Cemetery, Wataga. A celebration of life will be Sunday, September 19, 2021 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made in Linda’s memory to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.