Linda Kay Absher

Linda Kay Absher, nee Sperry, 75, of Mascoutah, IL, born Mar. 5, 1942 in Springfield, IL, died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

Linda grew up primarily in Effingham, IL the daughter of a coal miner’s daughter.

She was a trained musician, concentrating on performance in voice and piano, and used those skills throughout her life.  In college she performed as a singer/dancer with the USO, touring throughout the Caribbean.  After she married, Linda taught piano and voice privately, and music in Illinois school systems.  She ended her work life at SIU-Carbondale as the Coordinator for the Industrial Technology program at the Scott AFB campus.

She was a member of both First Baptist Church Mascoutah, and later First Baptist Church O’Fallon.  She served both churches in various positions, including vocalist, pianist, music director and leader for various age groups, as well a choir member.  Following retirement, Linda was a regular participant in Bible Study Fellowship, as well as a strong supporter of First Baptist Academy in O’Fallon, IL.  Linda was involved in various activities and especially enjoyed painting, doll making, miniatures, ceramics, and crafts in general.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Madge, nee Reak, Sperry.

Linda is survived by her husband of 50+ years, Charles E. Absher whom she married in Belleville, IL on Dec. 30, 1966; two sons, Brian (Melissa) Absher of Oklahoma City, OK, and Darin (Celeste) Absher of O’Fallon, MO; three grandchildren, Jane, Andrew, and Noelle Absher; two sisters, Charlotte Cole of Gulf Port, MS, and Mona (Jim) Fishbein of Millstadt, IL; a brother, Robert “Buzz” (Sue) Sperry of Springfield, IL; nieces and nephews.

She was a wonderful wife and mother who loved her family, and will be missed dearly.

In lieu of all other gifts, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Academy Endowment Fund, First Baptist Church, 1111 E. Hwy 50, O’Fallon, IL 62269. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com .

Visitation: friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in O’Fallon, IL.

Funeral: Memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in O’Fallon, IL with Pastors Doug Munton and Skip Leininger officiating. Burial will take place at 12 noon Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 in the IOOF Cemetery, McLeansboro, IL.