Linda Kirkham, born September 5, 1938, died of natural causes on March 25, 2021 in Loves Park, Illinois. Linda, the wife of Gene Kirkham for over 60 years was the mother of four sons, grandmother to fifteen and great-grandmother to eleven. Linda was born in Chicago, Illinois to Richard Baker Davis and Lillian Mattson. She graduated high school in Chicago where she met her future husband, Gene, who worked at a bowling center she frequented. Linda enjoyed bowling and became Gene’s biggest bowling fan. For over 60 years Linda and Gene traveled to and even worked at the United States Bowling Congress national amateur tournament in Las Vegas, Reno, Buffalo, Houston, Syracuse and Albuquerque to name a few. While Linda’s final years were spent in Loves Park, Illinois to be close to her son and grandchildren, she was a 41 year resident of Arcola, Illinois where at one time she and her husband Gene owned and operated The Embassy bowling lanes. Gene and Linda both retired from the University of Illinois. Linda loved her dogs and enjoyed watching her sons and then grandchildren’s athletic events in addition to accompanying Gene to league and tournament bowling.
She is survived by her Husband, Gene, four sons, 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Gene resides in Loves Park, IL and continues to enjoy bowling and golf.
No services to be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary.
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