Linda Guile, St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2023. She joins her loving husband, Lawrence D. Guile, mother, Darlene Ritter, and brother, Jim Sylvester. Linda is survived by her son David (Michelle) Guile, daughter Kristin Guile, grandchildren Melissa (Weston) Gordon, Michael Guile, Matthew Guile, and Meghan Guile, and sisters Sally (Jerry) Caffery, Sue (Bob) Schuch, Peggy (Roy) Simpson, as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews, and friends.
Born in Moline, IL, on September 21, 1938, Linda lived a life full of love and laughs. As a young woman, she enjoyed cheerleading, participated in the marching band, was in a beauty contest, and loved to dance. She helped her mother care for her four younger siblings and maintained a close relationship with them throughout her life, having “sibling weekends” often throughout their adult lives.
There are very few, if any, loves like the love Linda and Larry had. They quickly fell in love and married in 1959 after a two-month courtship. Linda and Larry started their married life in Rock Island, IL, where their first child David was born. A career change for Larry took them to Chicago, IL, where their daughter Kristin was born. After a year, they moved to Freeport, IL, and finally settled into St. Louis, MO.
In addition to being a full-time wife, mother, and homemaker, she also had several other jobs throughout her life. She was a real estate agent, a fashion consultant, and library and computer lab assistant at Long Elementary School, from which she retired after many years of service. Her students loved her, often bringing her gifts and talking with her. Linda’s remarkable memory kept track of the details of the children’s lives and their personal needs.
She had many hobbies, including home decorating, gardening, entertaining, sewing, and traveling. One of her greatest joys (and talents) was making special memories with holiday dinners, parties, celebrations, and occasions of all kinds. She was the quintessential hostess. Linda loved to read, especially nonfiction, with a particular focus on presidential and British history through the experiences of the First Ladies and British royalty.
Following retirement, she settled into the grandma life. Her grandchildren lovingly remember numerous happy memories at “Camp Grandma,” laughing, baking, and crafting, as well as times vacationing together at Linda’s favorite spot – Gulf Shores, AL.
Sunny days where she could get out and do something were her favorites, especially shopping for a good deal– antique shops, boutiques, furniture stores, TJ Maxx, you name it. Linda was there, nearly always with a friend, laughing and exploring.
Linda also deeply treasured her numerous friendships throughout the years. Even for those she didn’t see often, she was always excited to talk to them and hear their news.
She will be greatly missed but lives forever in the hearts of many.
Linda requested that, in lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital.”
Services: Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois. Visitation Friday, June 24 at 12:00 PM until service at 2:00 PM.
