Linda Lou Roots

They say that the memory is the last thing to go. Linda had progressive dementia so that was not necessarily true for her. But, the spunkiness that she was well known for, was present until the very end.

Linda Lou Roots, born November 3, 1945 to Edwin Henry and Lula Mae (Houstin) Wiker, passed peacefully, on her own terms, on the evening of December 7, 2024.

She married to J.D. Roots on December 25, 1970, and together they raised three children, Dorinda Williams of Eureka, David (Jenny) Roots of Canton and Tracy (Summer) Roots of Buckeye, Arizona.

She is survived by her best friend; her children; their spouses; one granddaughter, Amber Ezekiel; two grandsons, Jordan and Blake Roots and one great-granddaughter, Adalynn Ezekiel.

Linda was a popular hair beautician, in her own salon, “Linda’s Beauty Patio”, providing her “special ladies” with the best of styles for decades.

She lost her J.D. in 1997 and never quite recovered. She developed numerous hobbies to occupy her time, including square dancing, crocheting, traveling, QVC shopping and exercising at Silver Sneakers. It was through Silver Sneakers that she developed the deep and lasting friendship with her best friend, Cindy Schueler. They quickly became inseparable, resided together and maintained their strong connection through the remainder of Linda’s life.

Even in her final months, Linda and her fiery attitude were evident to all who interacted with her, whether she recognized them or not. You never knew what was going to come out of her mouth but it got a reaction every time. Her feisty spirit and quick wit will truly be missed.

Her funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Steve Weber will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial donations can be made to Franklin Grove Living & Rehabilitation Center, 502 North State Street, Franklin Grove, Illinois 61031 and Memories Matter, through the CGH Medical Center 100 E Le Fevre Road, Sterling, Illinois 61081.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com