Reba Fay (Asbury) Lindstrom, 87, of Morrison, IL, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center in Clinton, IA.
Reba was born August 10, 1936, to William T. and Katherine L. (McCain) Asbury, in Sterling, IL. She attended Sterling schools. On September 27, 1952, at the age of 16, Reba married Louis Lindstrom in a double marriage, with her 19-year-old sister, Jean, and fiancé, Willard Smith. Just prior to their wedding another close friend, Kenny Flynn was also married by the Justice of the Peace. What a good time for everyone! Reba and Louie farmed in the Thomson, IL, and Morrison areas for almost all of their married years. Louie passed away in 2003, after 50 years of marriage.
Louie and Reba started out with nothing, but eventually were able to purchase a farm. They instilled their ethics of hard work, honesty, and kindness to their children and grandchildren, while they made a living on their dairy and grain farm. For a few years Reba worked at the GE factory in Morrison. Growing up with 12 siblings, Reba was accused of marrying young to escape her family, but, in reality, her brothers and especially her sisters remained her best friends her entire life. They would travel and party together, always enjoying one another’s company. “Family First” was Reba and Louie’s belief, whether it be their siblings, parents, children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. They were always available to lend a helping hand in any way they could, putting their own needs on hold.
Later in life Reba volunteered at the Whiteside County Fair, working in the exhibit buildings during the fair week. She also volunteered at the Senior Meals in Morrison. She enjoyed working in her garden, doing yard work, and working with Louie on the family farm. Reba excelled at baking pies and cookies for the family. She was an expert at making the best apple pies, which she baked nearly every week. She would make her own pie crust, like it was nothing at all. Reba especially enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her sons, Steven (Julie) Lindstrom of Fulton, IL, and Sam Lindstrom of Morrison; three grandchildren, Arletta Carlile, Nicole (Brad) Terry, and Ryan Lindstrom; three great-grandchildren, Jett and Mavrik Carlile and Everett Terry; sisters, Jean Smith and Shirley Ellis, both of Sterling, and Hazel Browning of Springdale, AR; brothers, LeRoy (Beverly) Asbury and Kenneth (Rebecca) Asbury, both of Sterling.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gordon, Norman, Don, William, and Herbert Asbury; sisters, Viola Planthaber and Wanda Miller.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
There will be a Memorial service at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, officiated by Ken Renkes.
A memorial Visitation will precede the service, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
A memorial has been established.