Nancy Louetta (Hellenga) Linder

Nancy Louetta (Hellenga) Linder, 77, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 9, 2022 after a brief battle with Pneumonia.

Nancy was born February 11, 1944 in Sterling, IL to Clifford J. Thompson and Janice R. (Little) Thompson. She was married 3 times; Jonnie Mays (divorced 1980, deceased), Bernard Hellenga (deceased 2008), Dennis Linder (deceased 2020)

Nancy was employed first by Admiral Corporation in Harvard, IL. Then, Evans Products in Woodstock, IL. Third, at RRS Security Service (assigned to Arnold Engineering) in Marengo, IL. Nancy finally settled in at Rockford Memorial Hospital/Rockford Health Systems for 26 years before retiring.

During Nancy’s 2nd marriage to Bernard Hellenga, she enjoyed traveling throughout the Midwest to explore caves, hiking in state parks, and exploring side of the road attractions while traveling through the countryside. She especially enjoyed Scrapbooking and playing Pinnacle with her special friend, Phyllis Morgan. Nancy was a member of the Red Hat Ladies for several years. After Bernard’s death in 2008, Nancy devoted herself to taking care of her son, John Mays until his death in 2010.

During her 3rd marriage to Dennis Linder, Nancy enjoyed walks in the Belvidere Park (often included lunch with friends), long drives to random places “just see what’s out there”, Trivia, Adult coloring books (often with her daughter, Della), and attending Calvary Baptist Church listening to Dennis sing and play the organ. She would often listen to Dennis play organ at home and sing along to Hymns.

Nancy devoted her entire life to Jesus Christ and the Christian Faith. She attended, and was very active with, Calvary Baptist Church for the better part of 10 years. Nancy treated people according to her Faith and was loved by most who came in contact with her.

            Nancy is survived by her 3 sisters, Cheryl (Dennis short) Thompson of Kendall, WI; Joy (Jerry) Elsing of New Lisbon, WI; Diane (James, deceased) Gregg of Walworth, WI., Daughter Della R. Mays-Chavez of Belvidere, IL, son, Shane E. Hellenga of Belvidere, IL., step-son Jeff (Karla) Schumacher of Woodstock, IL, step-daughter, Julie Hellenga, and several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Nancy was preceded in death by both her parents; brothers Dave Thompson, Lee Thompson, and Kenny Thompson; brother-in-law, James Gregg; all 3 husbands, Jonnie Mays, Bernard Hellenga, and Dennis Linder; Daughter, Lydia Jean Mays; son, John H. Mays.

Special thanks to those who were at her bedside during her final 24 hours on this Earth: Pastor Daniel Lashley of Calvary Baptist Church, “son” James D Clark and wife Victoria Clark of Poplar Grove, IL,  “daughter” Jennifer Howard and husband Mike Howard of Rockford, IL, special friends Ana and Evelyn Lopez of Rockford, IL.; “son” Joel Germo Balalitan via videocall from Phillipines.

Nancy went to Heaven smiling.

Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022 in the Chapel at Highland Garden of Memories, with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. Nancy will be interred at Highland Garden of Memories with her 2nd husband, Bernard Hellenga per her and Dennis’s wishes.

Faith is not believing that God can – it is knowing that he will

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