Linda was born on December 13, 1950, to E. Dale and Mary (Hall) Gilbert. Linda attended Ashton Grade School and High School. She earned a BS in Biology Education at the University of Illinois, Champaign, and later earned an MS in Curriculum and Instruction at National College of Education, Evanston. Linda taught junior high science and health and served as Assistant Principal for Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment for District #97, Oak Park, IL, for 34 years. After retiring from teaching, Linda was the librarian at the Mills and Petrie Memorial Library in Ashton for 17 years.
Linda married Garth Dallam in 1984. She had one step-daughter, Christi, in Chicago, IL.
Linda worked with Garth organizing the Depot Days Car, Truck, and Motorcycle shows with the Amboy Car Show Committee for more than 25 years. She was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church, Franklin Grove, and also participated in many activities at the Lee Center Congregational United Church of Christ. She was an active member of the NEA/IEA/OPTA during her teaching years, serving as OPTA officer and grievance chairperson.
Linda is survived by her step-daughter, Christi. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly (John) Bartmess, of Franklin Grove. She was proud to be Aunt Linda to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Garth, her parents, and her sister, Genet Anderson.
There will be no services at her request. Following cremation, a private graveside service will be held at Woodside Cemetery, Lee Center.
If you wish to make a contribution in Linda’s memory, the Franklin Grove Presbyterian Church, the Lee Center Congregational Church of Christ, or an animal rescue group of your choice would all be special to her.
