Linda Lou Brooks

It is with profound sadness yet deep gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of Linda Lou Brooks, who left this world peacefully in her sleep on June 7, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on March 13, 1938, in the quaint town of Pekin, Illinois, Linda was a beacon of love and compassion to all who knew her. Linda was the beloved daughter of Smith and Lucille Rakestraw, who predeceased her, as did her siblings and one cherished granddaughter. She is survived by her loving children: daughter Karen Simpkins and husband Greg, daughter Diana Rose and husband Kerry, and son Mark Brooks. Her legacy continues through her seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, who will forever carry her spirit in their hearts. On March 19, 1960, Linda married Ralph Brooks, and together they built a life filled with love, faith, and family. Their union was a testament to the enduring power of partnership and devotion. A proud graduate of St. Francis Medical School, Linda dedicated her life to the care of others, earning her RN degree and embarking on a career that spanned many years in hospital settings before she transitioned to conducting medical exams for insurance. Even in retirement, Linda's nurturing spirit shone brightly as she volunteered at her community center, offering her skills to screen blood pressures and provide comfort where needed. Linda was a woman of unwavering faith, actively participating in her Lutheran church community. She found joy in serving on the altar guild, singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday school, sharing her love and wisdom with everyone she encountered. Her enthusiasm for life extended beyond the church as she delighted in participating in the SunCity poms from the late 1990s into the 2000s, spreading cheer and camaraderie through dance. A woman of many talents, Linda's hands were never idle. She spent countless hours painting, arranging flowers, and crocheting, infusing beauty into the world around her. An avid sports fan, she cheered passionately for the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals, her voice a familiar echo in her home. Her family will always remember Linda as a loving mother and devoted wife, a woman whose faith guided her every action, and whose caring nature touched the lives of all she met. Her life was a testament to kindness and grace, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Countryside Assisted Living for the two years of wonderful care they provided Linda, and to Always Present Hospice for making her last months the best possible, filled with dignity and love. Linda Lou Brooks will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. A service to celebrate her life will be held at her beloved Lutheran church, where her laughter and love will echo in the halls she cherished. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Linda's name to her church or a charity of your choice, continuing her legacy of giving and compassion.