Linda Jo Hoover, 69, of Tuscola, IL, passed away at 12:20 p.m., Thursday, June 11, 2015, at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Linda was born on April 26, 1946, in Bloomington, Illinois, a daughter of Jack and Viola Atkins Hoover.

Linda was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, who will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her sisters Sherry (Glen) Polson, of Paxton, and Nancy (Thomas) Ashley, of Lincoln; nieces Dana (Greg) Francis, of Midland, Michigan, Jennifer (Adam) Holleman, of Champaign, and Tara (Bryan) Schmeiser of Carmel, Indiana; nephews Brett Polson, of Champaign, and J.T. Ashley, of Lincoln; great-nephews Zach (Jessica Murray) Francis, Chicago, Josh (Tasha Lewis) Francis, Midland, Michigan, Cale and Luke Schmeiser, Carmel, Indiana, and Jack Holleman, Champaign.

She was preceded in death by her parents, paternal grandparents Louis and Lenora Strange Hoover; and maternal grandparents Walker and Minnie McGuire Atkins.

She was a 1964 graduate of Paxton High School and received her bachelor's degree in education from Eastern Illinois University in 1969. Linda began her teaching career at Crescent City High School after graduation. She was married in July 1970 to Clifford Polson of Paxton, Illinois, and later divorced.

Linda was an English and speech/drama teacher at Cerro Gordo High School from 1978 until her retirement in 2005. While at Cerro Gordo High School, she directed two student plays per year, putting in extra hours long into the evenings and weekends, obtaining necessary stage props, and ensuring they were smash hits. She won Teacher of the Year in 1994. Linda had a natural rapport with her students encouraging learning though her gregarious spirit. Her favorite quote from Henry B. Adams states "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops". This proved so true for Linda as so many of her students stayed in touch after graduation with Ms. "Groovy-Hoovy" as she was fondly called.

A diehard Cubs fan, Linda enjoyed watching the games or listening on the radio while relaxing on her deck or working in the yard. She was a dedicated dog and nature lover, volunteering as a photographer for the Douglas County Animal Shelter, and donating to many animal welfare organizations. Among her "babies" were Max, Willie, Annie, and Chelsea. She also held an interest in all things sixties and seventies, collecting vintage signage, JFK memorabilia, and listening to music. Linda loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 15, 2015 at Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main, Tuscola, IL with Pastor Jerry Silver of the First Baptist Church of Tuscola, officiating. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. preceding the funeral. A private family burial will follow at Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Memorials may be made to the Douglas County Animal Shelter.

Online condolences to the family may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com