Linda Faye Rodriguez, 73, of Granite City, Illinois, formerly Linda Tuberville, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026. After facing the challenges of a brain aneurysm five years ago with quiet strength, resilience, and grace, she is now at rest.

A woman of profound faith, Linda lived her life as a devoted Christian, finding daily strength and purpose in her relationship with the Lord. Her greatest prayer was that her family would one day be reunited with her in heaven. To that end, she took it upon herself to ensure her grandchildren were in church every Sunday and Wednesday, instilling in them the foundations of faith and love that were so important to her.

Linda’s life was defined by a fierce and selfless devotion. She possessed a rare, gentle spirit that harbored no ill will, choosing instead to be a constant source of support for anyone in need. She was a woman who never gave up on the people she loved, offering a grace and loyalty that was truly life-saving. Her home was a sanctuary; her door was always open, and she frequently welcomed her children and grandchildren back home during their most difficult chapters, ensuring they always had a safe place to land.

Her family was her entire world. She shared a deep and enduring bond with her first-born son, Jeff Ward; although separated by miles, their connection remained a priority and she took great pride in his frequent visits, especially caring for her throughout her illness.

Before her illness, Linda was a vibrant, beautiful lady who loved to dance. She possessed a youthful energy that allowed her to keep up with her daughters, Amy Ortiz and Kimberly Zavala, on the dance floor, creating memories that her family and lifelong friends will cherish forever.
As a foster mother to many children over the years, Linda’s heart knew no boundaries, eventually leading her to grow her family through the adoption of her son, Roberto Cortez.

Beyond her family, her heart extended to her beloved dogs—Chiquita, Uno, and Xavier—and she truly had a heart of gold.

She was a mainstay at the birth of every one of her grandchildren, often being the one to literally cut the umbilical cord—a testament to her deep-rooted need to be there for her family from their very first moments. She was the silent strength behind her family’s resilience, providing the stability and unconditional love that allowed her children and grandchildren to overcome life’s challenges and thrive.

Linda is survived by her children, Jeff Ward, Amy Ortiz, Kimberly Zavala, and Roberto Cortez; her grandchildren, Ricardo Rivera, Nicholas Rivera, Victoria Ortiz, Sara Torres, Christian Creel, and Fredy Zavala; and her great-grandchildren, Rianne, Aubrey, Juliano, and Ka'llani. She is also survived by her brother, James (Jim) Tuberville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira Eugene Tuberville and Amy Boxer, and her sister, Karen Serrano.

A public visitation will be held in the Chapel of Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, IL, 62034, on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, from 4 - 8 PM. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow the service. 

The family is being served by Sunset Hill Funeral Home.