Linda Kay Davis

Linda Kay Davis, 76, of Moline, passed away, Monday, January 4, 2021, at Unity Point Trinity, Rock Island.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Monday, January 11, 2021, at Esterdahl Mortuary, Moline. Due to COVID restrictions, funeral services will be for family only at 1 pm on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at Riverside United Methodist Church, and the burial will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline. The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed on Linda’s obituary page at esterdahl.com.  Memorials may be made to Riverside United Methodist Church or to the Moline School District for improving literacy in young children. In accordance with restrictions, attendees are expected to wear a face mask and observe social distancing.

Linda was born on April 16, 1944, in Waterloo, IA, the daughter of Robert and Lorretta (Bennett) Stille.  She married Dennis Davis on August 6, 1966, in Moline.  He preceded her in death on January 3, 1971. Linda was a teacher at Maple Grove Elementary and William Carr Elementary before retiring from Willard Elementary. Linda served on numerous committees and was the president and chief negotiator for the Moline Education Association as well as an active member of the Illinois Education Association and National Education Association.  She received the Those Who Excel Award from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Master Teacher Award from the Moline Dispatch Argus in 1995. Through her 37 years of teaching for the Moline School District, Linda touched the lives of many children. Christmas and birthday gifts to her nieces, nephews, and their children often included money so they could buy books to read. Professionally, she continued her love of education by serving on the Moline Board of Education.

Survivors include her daughter, Kristin Dillard, Livingston, TX; significant other, Gary Gellerman, Moline; brothers, Larry (Nancy) Stille, Spirit Lake, IA, Lane (Marilyn) Stille, George, IA, Kent (Donna) Stille, Indianola, IA; sister, Joyce Stille, Eagle Rock, MO; brother-in-law, Greg (Ann) Davis, Springfield, IL; several nieces, nephews; and great-nieces/nephews.

After retirement, Linda with the help of Gary were the primary caregivers allowing her parents to remain in their home until their deaths.  Linda was a member of Riverside United Methodist Church, Moline.  Besides reading, she loved word and number puzzles as well as playing games with family.

Memories may be shared online by visiting the tribute wall.