Linda Lou McKinney's Obituary
Linda Lou McKinney, 61, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Niantic, IL.
She was born in Decatur on September 30, 1963, a daughter of Janet Souders Pettyjohn and the late Stanley Pettyjohn.
Linda loved her family. She enjoyed being a spectator at her grandchildren's’ school and sporting events and never missed a chance to get in some ‘bonding time’ with her loved ones whenever there was a moment. Sometimes this was while engaging in one of her many hobbies, like mushroom hunting, cooking and baking, watching a good movie, playing board games, or simply enjoying some sweet tea and watching the hummingbirds. Linda was also interested in astronomy, music, history, true crime, and listening to innocence project podcasts.
In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by her twin sister, Lori Ann Pettyjohn.
Alongside her mother, Janet Pettyjohn of Hillsboro; children, Amanda Harter and husband Josh of Niantic, Jacob Lee Schmidt and fiancée Abby Anderson of Peoria, Jeffrey McKinney Jr and wife Ellen of Niantic; siblings, Maryanne Scribner and husband Brad of Seminole, OK, Marianne Hester and husband Steve of Ward, AR, Tim Pettyjohn and wife Angela of Hillsboro; grandchildren, Alana Lou Ann Schmidt of Effingham, Heidi Lou McKinney of Niantic, Dawson, Deacon, and Case Harter, all of Niantic; niece and nephews, Lindsey Glynn of Tampa Bay, FL, Colton Pettyjohn of Hillsboro, Seth and Zack Scribner of Seminole, OK; and best friends, Lynnette Clemons and Amy Patient.
The family of Linda Lou McKinney would like to thank the staff of Cancer Care and Memorial Hospice for their dedication and kindness.
Service will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.
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