LINDA S. RUSSELL, age 61 of Ashton passed away unexpectedly on February 21, 2009 at the KSB Hospital in Dixon surrounded by her family. She was born on September 1, 1947 in Vandalia, IL, the daughter of Glenn L. and Doris E. Easton Lawson. Linda married Richard A. Russell on April 10, 1964 at the Ashton Methodist Church.
She managed and "decorated" the Mills Petrie Building and cleaned the Franklin Grove Methodist Church for many years. Linda and her husband Richard were married almost 45 years, together they raised 3 daughters in the love of their church and the community of Ashton. Her greatest love was spending time with her six grandchildren who knew her only as "Nana" and adored her for her silliness, imagination, and unconditional love and support. Linda was a stranger to no one and was known for her soft spoken voice, kind hearted smile and willingness to lend a hand wherever it was needed.
Preceded in death by her parents, an infant son: Randy Russell on September 15, 1964 and a granddaughter: Eden Bushman on February 21, 2002.
Survivors include her husband Richard Russell of Ashton,
3 daughters: Shelley O'Dell of Ashton, Debra Tucker of Byron, and Amy (Dave) Bushman of Ashton.
6 grandchildren: Kyle and Lindsey O'Dell, Avery and Ruby Tucker, and Tristan and Griffin Bushman.
2 sisters: Monetta (Rod) Young of Franklin Grove and Pat (Roger) Garrison of Polo
brother: Bill (Jane) Lawson of Rockford

Funeral service will be held at the Ashton United Methodist Church on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Monica William officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 3 - 8 PM also at the Ashton Methodist Church.

Memorials to the Ashton Methodist Church or to the NKH International Family Network (Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia) in memory and honor of her granddaughter Eden whom throughout her short life and illness Linda was a constant source of strength and support and the one person who could always make her smile.Burial at the Ashton Cemetery.