Linda Lou (Scharf) McNeese

LINDA McNEESE

JERSEYVILLE – Linda Lou (Scharf) McNeese, 68, passed away peacefully at 12:15 p.m., Sunday, December 27, 2020 at her home in Jerseyville following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. 

She was born on February 16, 1952 at St. Mary’s Hospital in East Saint Louis, Illinois, one of five children born to the late Gerhardt and Irene (Kirsch) Scharf. 

Linda grew up in Collinsville, graduating with the Class of 1970 from Collinsville High School. She went on to obtain her Masters Degree in English Education from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and spent over 30 years as an educator and guidance counselor at East Alton-Wood River High School. Her students and co-workers were truly an extension of her family and she enjoyed her time teaching so much that she continued to work as a Substitute Teacher after her retirement. 

She married Raymond Hudock and together their marriage was blessed with three children. She later married Johnny Ray “John” McNeese on March 29, 1997 at Harmony Baptist Church in Medora and together they spent the majority of their 23 years of marriage residing in Bethalto, prior to settling in Jerseyville in 2016. John preceded her in death just four short months ago, on August 15, 2020. 

Linda was a self-proclaimed, “shopaholic” and enjoyed shopping for others, just as much as she enjoyed shopping for herself. 

Her true passion, however, was that of a loyal and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. Her grandchildren, most especially, brought Linda the greatest joy that this world could offer and she was blessed to have spent Christmas together with them all, surrounded by their love and laughter. 

As Linda faced her illness and in the midst, the loss of her husband, her faith never wavered. She maintained a positive outlook, her impeccable sense of humor and remained a pillar of strength, undaunting determination and an inspiration to her family and friends. 

Surviving are a son, Mark Hudock of East Alton, and his children, Rebecca, Kaitlyn, Jeffrey and Zachary; two daughters and their families, Zoe and Tony Chin of Jerseyville and their children, Connor and Abigail; Ashley and Joey Smith of Glendale, Missouri and their children, Audrey and Logan; a step-son, Tyler McNeese of Bethalto and his children, Kameron and Karter; two sisters and brothers in-law, Yvonne and John Bright and Cynthia and Carl Stemm; as well as two brothers and sisters in-law, Steve and Cheryl Scharf and Loran and Shiela Scharf, all of Collinsville. 

Memorial visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until time of memorial services at 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Fosterburg Baptist Church (4737 Fosterburg Road, Bethalto, IL 62010), where Linda was a longtime and faithful member. Rev. Troy Crane will offiate. 

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to EAWR Foundation or the Moeller Cancer Center, in care of Crawford Funeral Home, 1308 State Highway 109, Jerseyville, IL 62052, who has been entrusted with arrangements. 

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