Linda J. (Ray) Holtorf passed away on 10/25/2025 at 2:22 pm at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center with peace in her heart and family at her bedside.
She was born on March 29,1951 in Hillsboro Illinois to Emma (Howard) Tisdale and Avery Ray.
Linda was married to the love of her life, Richard A. Holtorf for 29 wonderful yrs. She previously was married to: Wesley R. Zumwalt Sr ( father to her children), Daniel Caldieraro, and R. Lynn Wallace.
Linda was a loving mother to four children and two step children: Amy Furkin (John) of Gillespie, IL, Brenda K (Frensco) Schehl (Edward) of Mt.Olive Illinois, Wesley Ray Zumwalt II (Margaret) of Wilsonville Illinois, Brian A. Zumwalt (deceased), Allen Holtorf of Brighton, Illinois, Tracy (Holtorf) Pinkston (Bob) of Benld, Illinois.
Linda was part of a blended family, and shared a bond with her siblings and half siblings over the years: Stanley, Jeanie,Opal, Eugene, Doris, Paula, Sheldon, Shawn, Billy, Allan, Laura, Lavada, and Julia.
She was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren from her blended family with Richard, all of whom brought her immense joy.
Linda had a passion for baking and cooking. She was skilled in knitting, sewing, embroidery, and gardening. She loved country living, and taking scenic drives with Richard.
She expressed herself beautifully through poetry and song writing, even achieving publication.
A graduate of Mount Olive High School, Class of 1969, she pursued further education at Lewis and Clark Community College earning CNA certification as well as Medical Billing and Coding.
She dedicated herself to caring for others, working at Dorels Nursing Home, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Tupperware, Stanley Products, and Lingerie. She also provided loving child care to many families over the years.
Linda was proceeded in death by her parents Emma and Avery, husbands Richard and Wesley Sr., siblings Stanley, Jeanie, Eugene, son Brian, niece Sondra, granddaughters Desiree Pinkston and Nancy (Mayfield) Holtorf, and many beloved others.
She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her unwavering love, giving nature, and the warmth she shared with all who knew her.
Services to honor Linda's life will be held at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie Illinois on Monday November 3, 2025. Family may arrive at 10 am and all others at 10:30-11:30 am for visitation. Sheldon Ray will start service at 11:30 am and daughter Brenda K Schehl will follow with eulogy.
Memorial donations to be made in her honor to Adopt-a-pet in Benld, IL for her love of animals or Vitas Health Care of Fairview Heights, IL for the care & support they provided to Linda and Richard.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.