Linda J. Jones DeKalb, 75, of Sandoval, passed away peacefully, after a long battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at her home. She was born on February 14, 1950, in Centralia, a Valentine’s Day gift of love to her parents, Clarence F. and Florence H. (Deien) Beckmann. She married Larry Jones, and they later divorced. She married Phil A. DeKalb on June 16, 2016, and he preceded her in death on June 9, 2024.
Survivors that will treasure memories of Linda include her siblings, Joseph R. Beckmann of Waltonville, Mark C. Beckmann, wife Sherran of Bryan, TX, Neil L. Beckmann, wife Julie of Ashley, Paulette E. Kerley, husband Monte of Waltonville, Teresa L. Goatey, husband Robin of Sandoval, and Jennifer M. Jones, husband Richard of Waltonville, IL; stepson, Michael DeKalb and wife Charlene of Baldwin Park, CA; stepdaughter, Jennifer Kennedy of Findlay, OH; step-grandchildren, Kayla Webb and husband Jake, Megan Blair and husband Matt; step-great-grandchildren, Emogene and Olivia Blair; brothers-in-law, Chris DeKalb and wife Susan, Gary DeKalb and wife Patti, and Dan DeKalb and wife Lori; sisters-in-law, Stephanie McManaman, and Robbyn Stocking and husband Scott; close friends, Theresa Cozadd and husband Paul, Janis Burns, and Debbie Novak; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins.
Along with her husband, Phil DeKalb, Linda was preceded in death by her parents.
Linda was a loyal employee, working for the Warren G. Murray Center for 10 years, then Rockwell/Cambridge, and later Kaskaskia Workshop. Giving back to her community was important to Linda; she served on the Kaskaskia Workshop Board. She was a lady of extraordinary faith and a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where she served on the finance council and washed the altar linens. Linda’s love for the Lord was inspiring, and her love for others reflected the unconditional love she received from her Savior. She enjoyed busy work, going from task to task from sunup to sundown, saying “just a minute”, always finding time for one more task. Linda was a bright light, with an energy that drew people in. She had many wonderful friendships that she treasured, and they valued her loving heart. Linda was generous and compassionate, helping anyone in need, especially elderly friends and stray cats. Linda will be remembered for her unshakable faith, contagious personality and smile, great sense of humor, and love for all.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval. Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home in Sandoval. Interment will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Sandoval at a later date. Memorials may be made in Linda’s honor to SSM Hospice, to whom Linda’s family extends a heartfelt thank you for their amazing care, St. Lawrence Catholic Church, or the Centralia Humane Society. Online condolences and memories of Linda may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
