McConnell-Linda Jean Mader, age 66, she passed on Thursday May 15, 2014 at her home. She went to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on February 13, 1948 in Freeport, IL the daughter of Maurice E. and Arlith J. (Siemons) Smith. She graduated Orangeville High School in 1966. On June 11, 1967 she married the love of her life, Mervin Mader at the Zion Church in Freeport, IL., they celebrated 47 years together. She had worked for Burgess Battery and the Dog-N-Suds in Freeport for many years. She was a homemaker and her hobbies included bingo, word search puzzles, being with her beloved family and her beloved cats.

She is survived by her husband Mervin of McConnell, son Mark Mader of McConnell, daughter Tammy (John) Reimers of Freeport, eight loving grandchildren, her mother Arlith Smith of Red Oak, two brothers; Jeffrey (Tammy) Smith of Siegler, IL and Steven Smith of Freeport, two sisters; Cheryl Buhl of Freeport and Debra Smith of Red Oak, IL.

Proceeded in death by her father Maurice Smith, brother Michael Smith, son Kevin Mader, father and mother in law Orie and Pearl Mader.

Funeral services will be held on Monday May 19, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Lena United Methodist Church.

Visistation will be held on Sunday May 18, 2014 from 3:00 till 7:00 PM at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena.

Rev. Jeff Baer will officiate.

Burial will be in Lena Burial Park.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com