Linda L. McDonald

Linda L. McDonald, 83, of Pekin, IL passed away at 1:30 PM Friday, April 24, 2026 at Carle Health Pekin Hospital.

Linda was born on June 13, 1942 in Pekin to Leonard L. and Shirley (Layne) Fletcher. She married Vic McDonald on March 11, 1962 in Pekin.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are: her husband, Vic of Pekin; one daughter, Vickie Ales of Texas; grandson, Justin (Brittany) Ales of Durant, OK and a great granddaughter, Leighton Grace Ales.

Linda met Vic in 1956 when she was just 14 years old and he was 16—a freshman and a sophomore brought together at the Blue Island Roller Rink in Pekin. What began on November 23, 1956, grew into a lifelong love. They dated for six years before marrying, and shared 64 years and 11 days of marriage before her passing.

Together, Linda and Vic built a life rich in love, travel, and shared passions. In 1978, they embarked on a memorable 16-day journey through Jordan, Israel, Greece, and Italy. They celebrated their 25th, 30th, and 35th anniversaries in Hawaii, creating cherished memories along the way. After retiring in June 1997, they spent their winters in St. Petersburg, Florida. For 25 years, they faithfully attended the Covered Bridge Festival in Indiana. They were also devoted country dancers, teaching classes for nine years and even appearing on television in Knoxville, Tennessee, where they taped seven episodes of “Club Dance” with their group.

Linda was a dedicated member of First Christian Church, where she served for many years as chairwoman of the women’s group and worked as assistant secretary for 21 years before retiring. She was also deeply involved in her community, serving as secretary-treasurer for the American Legion Auxiliary and holding memberships in the VFW, Pekin Moose Lodge #916, and Women of the Moose Lodge #673, where she earned the Academy of Friendship Degree.

Creativity and care defined Linda’s life. She had a passion for ceramics, crafting many beautiful pieces, and found joy in baking and cooking for others. She especially loved crocheting—despite being left-handed, she created countless colorful baby blankets that will be treasured by many.

Before retiring, Linda worked as a beauty operator for three years after her marriage. With her signature sense of humor, she would say she retired because she was “tired of being a cheap psychiatrist.” Even so, she continued to care for others by styling the hair of friends who could not leave their homes, often visiting them personally.

Linda will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, devotion to family and community, and the enduring love she shared with Vic.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Moose Charities 155 S. International Dr. Mooseheart, IL 60539.