Linda Pretzsch

Linda L. (Thomas) Pretzsch, 80, of Newburgh, formerly of Mt. Vernon and Carmi, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Linda was born in Long Branch Township in Saline County, Illinois on January 15, 1940 as the daughter of Charles L. and Mary Pauline (Bozarth) Thomas. Linda was married to her high school sweetheart, Charles E. "Sonny" Pretzsch, and he preceded her in death this July.

Linda went to beauty school after graduating high school and worked as a beautician for several years before staying at home to raise her children. She was a devoted Christian woman who always found root in a Southern Baptist church wherever she lived. She was a Sunday school teacher and secretary for the First Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon. She last attended Gateway Baptist Church in Newburgh. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Woman’s Bowling Association in Princeton. She enjoyed baking, especially making desserts. But nothing was as joyous to her as spending time with her grandkids.

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy (James) Elliott; son, Scotty (Kathy) Pretzsch; grandchildren, Sara Elliott, Braden (Rachel) Pretzsch, Jennifer Elliott, Chelsea Elliott (Craig Voges), Amber (Jordan) Shots, Taylor Elliott, a great granddaughter due in February; brother-in-law, Ronald "Ronnie" (Kay) Pretzsch. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Charles E. Thomas and Toney L. Thomas Senior.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at the Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Cemetery in Thompsonville, Illinois. Visitation will take place from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. Due to the national health crisis, mask will be required, and social distancing should be maintained.  Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com.