Linda Ann Engelmeier, age 78, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Friday, May 9, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by loved ones.

      Linda was born on December 22, 1946, in Maine to Mildred Audibert.  The two later moved to Texas where they met Clifford Dickey, who would become Linda’s father.  The family then relocated to Illinois.  Linda later met and married Charles Larry Engelmeier on October 1, 1965.  Together, they shared 10 wedding anniversaries and gave birth to 3 children before Larry’s untimely passing at a young age.

      Linda was a tough, independent woman with a love of the outdoors, animals, and a good western.  She raised her 3 daughters, cared for countless horses, dogs, and cats.  She loved going out for breakfast, but spending meal gatherings with family and grandkids was her favorite.  During her life, Linda also lived in Alaska, Idaho, Florida, and Arizona.  She often expressed how much she enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle and her off-grid skills of living free.  Linda held many jobs, ranging from waitressing to heavy equipment operator and she was especially proud to share her work in a logging operation.  Linda was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and a collector of “stuff’, always knowing exactly where each piece came from and where it belonged.  She will be remembered as one of the last women who truly lived free and had done it all while she was here.

      Linda is survived by 3 daughters: Lorna Warren of Flora, Lisa (Jeff) Smith of Louisville, and Carrie Griffith of Louisiana; 8 grandchildren: Cassandra and Connie Warren, Kya McHugh, Bryant Smith, Dakota Connerly, Colten Smith, Shay Allen, and Trenton Pearce; 10 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way; brother: Nyal Dickey; and her wonderful friend of many years: Marie Browning.

      Preceding her in passing were her parents: Mildred and Clifford Dickey; and the love of her life, husband: Larry Engelmeier; she is also preceded in death by her lifelong friend, Linda Boyd (just 2 weeks earlier); and her beloved dog, Spunky (just four days earlier).

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Mark Hardin officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora.  A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com