LINDA JEAN MADER, 66 MCCONNELL - Linda Jean Mader, 66, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2014, at her home. She went to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on Feb. 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 at 11 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2014, at the Lena United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 3 until 7 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2014, 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 leamonfh.com.