Linda Gayle Hernandez, 63, Galatia

Linda Gayle Hernandez, age 63, of Galatia, passed away at 5:47 PM, Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at her residence in Galatia.

Linda was born on May 5, 1952 in Harrisburg to Maurice and Betty (Shea) McConnell. On July 29, 1977 she married Mike Hernandez and he survives. Linda was a teacher for 32 years at the Gallatin County Public Schools. She really enjoyed her career of teaching and really loved all of her students. Linda was an avid Cubs fan. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt and enjoyed babysitting her grandkids. She was a member of Little Chapel Church.

Surviving family members include her husband: Mike Hernandez of Galatia; son: Jerad Hernandez and wife Connie of Harrisburg; daughter: Kari Ellet and husband Cory of Herrin; parents: Maurice and Betty McConnell; three grandchildren: Chloe Hernandez, Aiden Hernandez and Briley Hernandez; sister: Sally Phipps and husband Jeff of Harrisburg; brother-in-law: Elvis Riley of Harrisburg; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Linda was preceded in death by a grandson: Ethan Hernandez; sister: Brenda Riley; paternal grandparents: Kingsley and Ethel (Renshaw) McConnell; maternal grandparents: Eugene and Stella (Potter) Shea.

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM, Sunday, December 6, 2015 at Little Chapel Church in Harrisburg. Jeff Rush and Ed Nenonen will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Garden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM, Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Little Chapel Church in Harrisburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the family to offset medical and burial expenses. Envelopes will be available at the church. Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com