Patti Lincoln Waters

Patti Lincoln Waters died peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 1st, 1930 in Tuscola, IL to Harold T. and Alliece Warren Lincoln, and attended Tuscola schools through 1949 when she graduated from Tuscola High School.

She attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL, and married the love of her life, Dale “Corky” Waters. After his untimely death in 1967, she took over and ran Waters Insurance Agency until her retirement in 2000.

Patti was a dedicated mother to her 4 children, Mike Waters (Cindy); Jean Waters (Floyd Kephart); John Waters; and Phil Waters (Barb), and their many activities……She was also a loyal and contributing Tuscolian……. She was a founding member of the Tuscola Community Development Corporation which promoted the Tuscola community to prospective businesses; she served on the First Federal Savings & Loan Board for many years, as well as was Tuscola’s Township Secretary for several years.

In 2009, she was inducted as part of the charter group of Tuscola’s Hall of Fame, was on it’s committee for many years, and served as a Grand Marshall of the Homecoming Parade. Patti loved Tuscola ,and all of its school events….She was a permanent fixture involving Tuscola High School, particulary athletic events, and was one of its most devoted fans…..

She is survived by her children, grandchildren (Matthew D. Waters (Kelly) and his family); Joshua Waters (Kim) and his family; Mackenzie Waters Steinbrueck (Kyle) and her family; Zachary Waters (Ann); and Katelynn Waters Edmonds (Jay) and her family……and her special, supportive brother and friend, Frank W. Lincoln (Marlene) and his children: Elizabeth (Brent) Reed, Andrew Lincoln, Kathryn (Eric) Wood and Hal Lincoln.

Patti was known for her many kindnesses to others; her enthusiasm; and for her unending devotion to Tuscola. She once called Tuscola “the garden spot of the world!”

She will be greatly missed.

Patti loved Tuscola with all of her heart……She even referred to Tuscola as “the garden spot of the world!”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tuscola High School Athletic Department and sent to the Tuscola High School, 500 South Prairie Street, Tuscola, IL 61953

An informal gathering of family and friends will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funreal Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL

Online condolences may be sent via www.hilligossshraderfh.com