Mrs. Lynda L. Oakes, 80, formerly of rural Laura, Illinois passed away peacefully at 3:55 pm Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Seminary Manor Nursing Home with her family by her side.
Lynda was born December 30, 1942, in Johnson City, Tennessee, the daughter of Jesse and Ruth (Presley) Sullivan. She married the love of her life, David H. Oakes, on August 21, 1965, at the Smithville Bible Church in Hanna City, Illinois.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, David; her children, Charlotte (David) Lindsey of Oneida, Illinois and Robert D. (Mary) Oakes of Chicago, Illinois; one sister, Mary Ann Hitchcock of Maylene, Alabama and four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Taylor) Roberts, Timothy Lindsey, Zachary Oakes and Delaney Oakes. She is preceded in death by her parents and her twin sister, Wilma Munson.
Lynda graduated from Limestone Community High School in 1960. After marrying David, she proudly took on her new position as a farmwife, helping in the field and with the livestock operation. Lynda was selected as “Farmwife of the Year” in 1980 by the Farm Bureau after being nominated by her husband, David. She also enjoyed working for Peoria Charter as both an office clerk and an escort for various trips. Lynda had many hobbies including gardening, embroidery and sewing. She volunteered her time serving on the state board of the Pork Producers Association and at the Midwest Food Bank.
Lynda and David were members of Bethel Baptist Church and were former members of Bethany Baptist Church in Peoria. She was a pianist and loved singing. She sang for weddings and even sang the “Star Bangled Banner” at a Peoria Chiefs game.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 am Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Pastor Lyall Sutton will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 am Tuesday at the chapel. Burial will be in French Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Peoria Christian Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
