Linda Jo Hoover, 69, of Tuscola, Illinois passed away Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Linda was born on April 26, 1946, in Bloomington, a daughter of Jack and Viola Atkins  Hoover.

Linda was a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend who will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her sisters, Sherry (Glen) Polson of Paxton and Nancy (Thomas) Ashley of Lincoln; nieces, Dana (Greg) Francis of Midland, Mich., Jennifer (Adam) Holleman of Champaign and Tara (Bryan) Schmeiser of Carmel, Ind.; nephews, Brett Polson of Champaign and J.T. Ashley of Lincoln; great-nephews, Zach (Jessica  Murray) Francis of Chicago, Josh (Tasha Lewis) Francis of Midland, Mich., Cale and Luke Schmeiser of Carmel, Ind., and Jack Holleman of Champaign.

She was preceded in death by her parents; paternal grandparents, Louis and Lenora Strange Hoover; and maternal grandparents, Walker and Minnie McGuire Atkins.

She was a 1964 graduate of Paxton High School and received her bachelor's degree in education from Eastern Illinois University in 1969. Linda began her teaching career at Crescent City High School after graduation.She taught English III and Speech at East Richland High School in Olney in 1970. She was married in July 1970 to Clifford Polson of Paxton, and later divorced.

Linda was an English and speech/drama teacher at Cerro Gordo High School from 1978 until her retirement in 2005. While at Cerro Gordo High School, she directed two student plays per year, putting in extra hours long into the evenings and weekends, obtaining necessary stage props, and ensuring they were smash hits. She won Teacher of the Year in 1994.

Linda had a natural rapport with her students encouraging learning though her gregarious spirit. Her favorite quote from Henry B. Adams states "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." This proved so true for Linda as so many of her students stayed in touch after graduation with Ms. "Groovy-Hoovy," as she was fondly called.

A diehard Cubs fan, Linda enjoyed watching the games or listening on the radio while relaxing on her deck or working in the yard. She was a dedicated dog and nature lover, volunteering as a photographer for the Douglas County Animal Shelter, and donating to many animal welfare organizations.

Among her "babies" were Max, Willie, Annie and Chelsea. She also held an interest in all things '60s and '70s, collecting vintage signage, JFK memorabilia and listening to music. Linda loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Funeral services at Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Tuscola, with Pastor Jerry Silver of the First Baptist Church of Tuscola officiating. A private family burial at Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Herald & Review (Decatur, IL) - Saturday, June 13, 2015