Linda Sue Hadley Marsh

 Linda Sue Marsh (Hadley),66, of St. Joseph, woke up in Heaven with Jesus at 5:15am on Tuesday (October 22, 2024). 

 Linda’s journey earth side began on January 25th, 1958 in San Antonio, Texas. She was the first daughter of Donald Hadley and Lucille (Wildermuth) Hadley. The family moved back to central Illinois when Linda was a year old and she graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School (SJO) class of 1976. 

 Bradley D. Marsh swept Linda Sue Hadley off of her feet and they were married on June 27, 1981 in Urbana; he survives. Together, they built their home on a farm in rural St. Joseph where they raised their 2 children, Sheryl & Andrew. 

Linda enjoyed various jobs over the years but her passion was caring for, not only her own children & Grandchildren, but any child! Every little one she had in daycare was loved as one of her own. 

Being a Mother & Grandmother was so special to Linda and she poured her heart into creating special memories with them. Her granddaughter Indira will always remember playing card games & how grandma Linda usually lost at them! Alyssa (My Boo, as she was affectionally called) will never forget Grandma being the loudest “cheerleader” in the stands! Olivia will be reminded of grandma Linda every time she eats banana bread as she enjoyed baking it together with her. Linda’s grandson Maddyx always enjoyed BINGO night, that Grandma did, with all the cousins. And Coltyn could never get enough of grandma Linda’s spaghetti dinners!

Linda’s smiling face was among the crowd at almost every sporting event, music concert, dance recital or theatre event that her children & grandchildren had. Her presence at those events will be missed very much. 

The cornerstone of Linda’s life was her faith in her savior, Jesus Christ. In 2019 when she was diagnosed with rare appendix cancer; her faith that God was in control gave her peace that passed all understanding. Her faith never wavered. Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” God was the anchor for her soul that provided security in the waves of life. Linda always enjoyed the waves, the beach, the lake or any body of water! That was her happy place for relaxation. 

Proceeding her in death was her Father, Donald Hadley. Her mother, Lucille Hadley, of St Joseph, survives and is left with many wonderful memories of her daughter! They loved watching the Illini basketball games together with Linda cheering loudly, of course! (She did that for any sport she watched, especially football) Linda grew up going to the lake with her parents and her mother will never forget how Linda slalom skied. Lou and Linda both had a love of flowers and every spring they would go together to buy & plant flowers. These memories and traditions will always be close to Lou’s heart.

Also surviving is her sister, Nancy (Mark) Whitaker, of North Carolina; Linda’s husband of 43 years, Brad Marsh, of St Joseph; children Sheryl Robinson (Karl Last) of St. Joseph; Andrew (Kelsey) Marsh of St. Joseph; 5 grandchildren, Indira, Alyssa, Maddyx, Coltyn, Olivia, all of St. Joseph; as well as SO MANY other wonderful family and friends. 

“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live” (Stewart Scott) Anyone that met Linda knew she lived for Jesus, her family & helping others. The polish pottery she passed down to us will be cherished as we use it. And we will try to make everything into a song just as she always did! Linda was a small woman but left a big impact on this earth. Her void will be felt everyday as we try to navigate this life without her beside us. 

The family invites you to Linda’s Celebration of Life Service on Saturday October 26th at 4pm; Faith Baptist Church (4601 North Market St, Champaign) with visitation beforehand 1pm-4pm. Private graveside service & burial will be held Sunday October 27th. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to SJO High School Football, Cheerleading, Band or Drama department. (Donors choice) PO Box 890 St. Joseph, IL 61873.

Freese FH 10/25/2024