Linda Kay Hellemeyer, 71, passed away at 7:53 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2018 at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Linda was born Oct. 18, 1946, in Alton, a daughter of the late Ralph Spurgeon and Venida Steffen .

She married Richard E. Hellemeyer, who preceded her in death Oct. 24, 2009.

Linda was employed as a Certified Nurses Assistant at Eldercare/Integrity Healthcare of Alton for 37 years. She had not retired and was very close to her patients, going above and beyond to care for them.

Survivors include two daughters, Stacey Smith of East Alton and Joy Rexford of Bethalto; five grandchildren: Brandy Smith, Nathaniel Smith, Kelsie Rexford, Kaitlyn Rexford, Makenzie Rexford five great-grandchildren: Cameron Smith, Leyton Smith, Wyatt Smith, Jada Bailie, Karter Bailie; two brothers, Terry Spurgeon of Moro, Mark and Debbie Spurgeon of Bethalto. Also Survived by Patty Nailor, whom Linda and the family thought of as a third daughter.

She was preceded in death by sister Joan Harris.

Linda was a avid Cardinal fan, attending many games each season, and would be thrilled to see people wear Cardinal red to her life celebration.

We will begin to celebrate Linda's life at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 22, 2018 at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River.

Linda's services will be private.

Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to family.

Linda will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.