Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Linda Gayle Cortesi, 71, of Springfield, Mo., died Monday, March 13, 2023. She was born in Arkansas on Sept. 1, 1951, to Samuel and Caleida Neely.

Despite a physical disability, Linda earned a degree in nursing and the culinary arts. She was the owner of Tony and Linda's Bar in Mt. Clare, Ill., and volunteered doing missionary work at Holy Angels orphanage in Haiti. She had a knack for always making people feel loved and accepted no matter what. Linda loved plants and reading books by Nora Roberts and James Patterson. She loved Chinese food and the occasional glass of wine and bowl of weed. She enjoyed warm weather, her god dogs and the beach.

Linda is survived by her children, Lisa Roeske, Paul Roeske, Angela Roeske, Scott and Melinda Roeske, and Xavier Cortesi; her grandchildren, Jessica Conlee, Charlie Conlee, Chelsey Prost, Devyn Prost, Trinity Roeske, Zack Roeske, Casey Roeske, Tanner Roeske, Kaylee Roeske, Mackenzie Roeske, Samantha Roeske, Ali Cortesi, Amelia Cortesi and Knox Cortesi; many great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Brenda, Barb, and Gary.

Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, Mo., was in charge of arrangements.