Linda L (Fordham) Hess, 76, of Earlville passed away July 7, 2023.

Visitation will be Thursday July 13 from 4-6 pm at Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota, IL with a 6 pm Service following with Pastor Mary Bohall officiating. A private burial of cremations will be at a later date at Precinct Cemetery in Earlville.

Linda was born to Gifford and Gracie (Hazelwood) Fordham on April 4, 1947 in Dixon IL.

Linda was raised from a very young age by her grandma until age 14, when she started supporting herself by working in a shoe factory, followed by HCC incorporated, until she became a home maker, raising her daughter Krissy, born January 1979. Linda also worked at J & L oil in Mendota, then started her own business in 1998, named "Countryside Bar & Grill" in Triumph IL for 23 years.

She also helped her husband Marvin with his tool business for over 40 years. Together they enjoyed raising/breeding rabbits, fishing, playing poker/rummy. They have been faithful watchers of Wrestling since 1985, rarely missing a show. Linda loved classic country and 50's/60's music. She also enjoyed watching Classic westerns including everything with John Wayne. She loved going to the casino. She enjoyed playing bingo with friends and crocheting. She loved her dogs and grand dogs too. The one person she loved most and fought to live for was her daughter, Krissy.

Linda married Marvin Hess on July 16, 1978, residing in Mendota for 40 years together.
Linda was the type of person you met and instantly loved. No matter where she was, she left an impact on the hearts of people she knew. Linda was very simple, friendly, funny, caring, giving, loving, and proud. You couldn't help but enjoy being around her.

Linda is survived by her daughter Kristen "Krissy" (Hess) Kirby of Earlville & her fiancé Shannon Baker of DePue, her niece Rebecca (Mark) Riggan who was considered her 2nd daughter, of Appleton WI, 1 half brother Larry Fordham of Amboy, 1 sister Diane "Susie" Fordham of LaSalle, 1 brother in law Elliot Hess of Mendota. Cousins, Nieces & Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin Hess, her daughter Kelly Sue Fordham, parents Gifford & Grace Fordham, Grandparents, brother Gifford Jr."Bugs" Fordham, half-sister Debbie Hartenbower, Aunt Louise & Uncle Odell Frailey, and dogs Pepe, Lucy & BamBam.

Memorials, cards & flowers may be sent to Krissy Kirby at Merritts Funeral Home in Mendota, IL