Linda L. Folks, 78, of Galena, IL, was called home by the Lord Jesus on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, passing peacefully in her home. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena where friends may call from 9 AM until the time of the mass. The burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Linda was born on March 15, 1947, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Harold and Dorothy (Koster) Ley. She attended Wahlert and Senior High Schools in Dubuque, IA, and later studied cosmetology in the Dubuque area. Linda also completed two years of college in Dubuque, Iowa.

On May 13, 1967, Linda was united in marriage to Gaylon G. Folks at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. She worked as a teaching assistant with the Galena School District for 30 years, retiring in 2010. Known for her kind and generous heart, Linda often purchased gifts for less fortunate children she encountered and donated to various charitable organizations. During the summer months, when she wasn’t working at the school, Linda loved to travel with Gaylon, Casey, and Jenny to numerous places across the country, including Walt Disney World, Washington, DC, Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the Rocky Mountains. In her childhood, she enjoyed outdoor events and day trips with her parents.

As an adult, Linda spent many years helping her father, Harold, care for her mother, Dorothy, who suffered from multiple sclerosis. She and her late daughter Jenny viewed shopping as an Olympic event and cherished their time browsing through local shops together. Linda was an avid reader, enjoying all sorts of literature, including mysteries, short stories, biographies, and travel books. In her retirement, she continued her travel adventures with family and friends, visiting places such as Hawaii, New York City, and Chicago. Linda will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She always encouraged her children, both at home and at school, to be true to their hearts, to try their best, and to believe in themselves. Linda cherished her special relationship with her granddaughter, Kayleigh. The two spent many hours together reading, coloring, drawing, and simply having fun. Nana played an instrumental role in helping Kayleigh attend swimming lessons, karate lessons, and regularly visit the bookstore. Their bond will never fade.

She is survived by her husband, Gaylon Folks, of Galena; her son, Casey; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Cilino-Folks; granddaughter, Kayleigh Gayle Folks; and her honorary granddaughter, Natalie Ricke.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Jenny, and her aunt and uncle, Mary and Vincent Kirpes. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the 5th-floor nursing staff of Finley Hospital and Hospice of Dubuque, especially RN Jessica, for the exceptional care provided to Linda in her final weeks.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com