LINDA MCCULLA

Linda S. McCulla 52, of Quincy, Ill., died February 18, 2023, at Blessing Hospital.

Linda left this life the same way she lived it: loving with all of her heart, mind, and spirit. Facing her challenges with optimism, courage, and determination without complaint, she provided an example for all who were privileged to know her. She was born in Quincy on Sept. 7, 1970, a daughter of Raymond and Kathleen (O’Brien) Schmidt. She married Michael J. McCulla at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ewing, MO on Aug. 15, 1998. Professionally, Linda worked for Gardner Denver, now Ingersoll Rand, for 26 years. Most recently she had served the corporation as a Senior Sales Manager.

She was a member of the Church of St. Peter.

For Linda, the phrase “Family is everything” was not just something said, but something lived with great joy and inclusivity. She considered her children her greatest gift from God and revered that relationship with great love and passion. Nights at home with schoolwork, days on the golf course, or nights on the court were all a gift that she truly cherished. She loved traveling the country or simply spending a quiet Sunday at home, as long as it was with her family.

Linda was a woman of great intellectual and personal depth, who through it all was still able to keep some of that little girl inside of her. Her love for animals was nothing short of legendary. Sometimes referred to as Elly May, she saw it necessary to take care of all of God’s creatures, especially her dog, Max. Whether it be her own or a stray, she embraced every opportunity to care for and nurture. Mark Twain said: “Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.” She’d be fine with that.

Linda was a selfless and loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. With a smile that could light up a room and a personality with the same affect, she was loved and adored by many. A great soul never dies, because it brings us back together again and again; and where it has been, there is a long trail of beautiful memories. She truly accomplished what is perhaps life’s greatest mission: undeniably leaving this earth far better than she found it.

Surviving is husband Mike, two children, Alaina and Alex McCulla of Quincy.

Five siblings, Michael Schmidt, Durham, Mo.; Brenda (Robert) Jernigan, Hannibal; Carolyn Schmidt, O’Fallon; Sandra (Alan) Boone, Maywood; and Judy (Steven) Spilker, Camp Point, Ill. Nieces and nephews including, Garrett Boone, Ankeny, Ia.: Katelyn (Ryan) Uhlmeyer,Canton, Mo.; Avery and Hayden Spilker, Camp Point, Ill. A much-adored great-niece, Andrea Uhlmeyer; brother-in-law John Patrick McCulla,Quincy; and close family members Robert and Penny Musolino.

She is preceded in death by her son, Andrew McCulla; parents; mother-in-law Anne St. John and father-in-law, Willard K. McCulla.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held February 27, 2023 in the Church of St. Peter.

Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Quincy, Ill.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org or to the Quincy Humane Society www.quincyhumanesociety.org