Linda Gayle (Howie) Rakes, 60, of Potomac, passed away at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, February 9th, 2025, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, in Urbana.

Born on February 5, 1965, in Danville to Earl and Eva Mae (Schuler) Howie, Linda was raised by Earl and Betty Howie after her mother's early passing. She married Anthony Rakes at the Church of Christ in Potomac on September 29, 1984. He survives her.

She is survived by her sons, Jordan Scott (Naomi Saxon) Rakes of Charleston and Syles Anthony Johnson of Potomac; daughters, Morgan Renee Rakes of Potomac, Macey Nicole (Chandler McBride) Johnson of Westville, and Madison Renae Johnson of Potomac; grandson, Eliot James Saxon of Charleston; brothers, John Howie of Potomac, Tony (Linda) Howie of O'Fallon, IL, Les (Rebecca) Howie of Sevierville, TN, Tom (Aileen) Howie of Danville, Jerry (Kim) Hickman of Potomac, and Mike (Lisa) Howie of Potomac; sisters, Edith (David) Cook of Bismarck and Robin (Bill) Walsh of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers-Glenn, Ronnie, Doug and Dwayne Howie.

Linda graduated from Potomac High School, in 1983.  She worked at Jeld-Wen, in Rantoul for 39 years.  She enjoyed listening to music, baking, riding in her convertible and most importantly hanging out with her family and friends.

Linda’s loved ones have ensured her legacy will live on through organ donation, and through that generous decision, Linda will touch countless others as the family members, friends and communities of those who receive her donated organs and/or tissue will be forever impacted by their improved quality of life, made possible through these selfless gifts.

A Celebration of Linda’s Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac, with Bill Walsh officiating. Visitation is scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Following the services, cremation rites will be arranged. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist Middlefork Ambulance and Bluegrass Fire in purchasing life-saving equipment. The family has entrusted Blurton Funeral Home with assisting them in honoring Linda’s life. Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.