Linda Lou Tyler

Age 84, lifelong resident of Gardner, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at her home with family at her side.

Born August 1, 1938 in Garfield Township, Grundy County, Illinois. Linda Lou was a daughter of Merlin and Lillian (Brooks) Sorensen. She was raised and educated in Gardner, and graduated from Gardner South Wilmington High School with the class of 1956. Linda Lou worked as a secretary for Allison Insurance Agency, which later became Complete Insurance Agency, and went on to retire from Gardner Grade School as their librarian. She was an active member of Church of Hope in Gardner, where she acted as the recording secretary for many years, as well as served as a Deacon and on Session. In addition, she belonged to the Gardner Lions Club and served on the board for the Gardner Archives. Most importantly Linda Lou cherished spending time with her family and loved attending her grandkids school events. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include three daughters: Debra (Jeff) Thompson of Gardner, Donna (Norman) Lardi of South Wilmington and Diane (Ray) Pettavino of Gardner; eight grandchildren: Michelle (Mike) Phillips, Natalie (Jeff) Eddy, Tessa (Chris) Hammons, Paige (Lucas) Jett, Chris (Ashley) Thompson, Brad (Ainsley) Thompson, Rachel (Brad) Boswell and Alex Romanetto; 16 great-grandchildren: Lilyan, Hudson, Thea, Crosby, Cora, Luca, Everly, Ivy, Adeline, Aiden, Aaron, Parker, Emmy, Peyton, Jaxson and Audrey; her sister, Pat Huston and special nephew, Eric Huston; special niece, Colleen (Tim) Perkins, and numerous other nieces and nephews, as well as her special friend Shirley Farland.

Linda Lou was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Dennis Huston.

The family will receive friends at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 Liberty Street, in Gardner on Friday, January 6, 2023, between the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2023 also at the funeral home at 9:30 AM. Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, and pallbearers will be Linda Lou’s eight grandchildren.

Preferred memorials in Linda Lou’s memory may be made as gifts to the Church of Hope, PO Box 248, Gardner, IL 60424 or to Lightways Hospice.

Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share photos and share Linda Lou’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. (815-237-2526)