Linda E. Mitchell

Linda E. Mitchell of Byron passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 11, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born May 16, 1943 in Rockford, IL. Daughter of Elliott and Clara (Toppe) Winterton.  She married Warren Alan Mitchell on April 7, 1984.    Linda Eileen Mitchell was a lot of things to a lot of people. A wife, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a friend. The list of nouns is nearly never ending . But no matter what you called her, she was a gift and anybody who had the privilege of being close to her will tell you that.   She lived every day like she meant it. Whether she was visiting distant relatives in Norway or caring for her friends and family at home, she gave the most and got the most out of life.
She had no time for pessimism. Even when things got dim she remained a beacon and a pillar for those that she loved. Leading by example and always doing what needed to be done with unparalleled mental resilience.
In the end she left this life the same way that she lived it. Fearlessly, optimistically and full of love. 
  Linda started her life in Lee, Illinois. Her early years of school were at Donaldson, a one room school house in Polo, Illinois. She would go onto graduate high school in Byron.  She was a hard worker,  starting in her early teens she babysat for the Wilmarths which wasn't an easy task as there were several of them and she loved every minute of it. They treated her like family. She'd spend a few years working for Ogle County Justice Of The Peace, Chet Landers. She along with her husband Joe, her brother Charles and sister in law Gloria owned and ran Byron Country Market. She spent several years working at Byron Super Value before she would go to Stillman Bank in customer service. She decided to try self employment cleaning houses before going to Hanlin Automotive keeping books. She would end her working career with what she said was the best job she ever had at Mopar City keeping books for Larry Pontnack. Although challenging at times, making one of the best friends she's had with lots of laughs and in her words, never a dull moment.     She was an avid bowler on several woman's leagues.  She spent many hours sewing, making quilts and purses, affectionately known as the "Bag Lady".   What was most important and above anything else was time spent with her family and her pride in her Norwegian roots. Nothing brought her greater joy than her family and siblings who share an unbreakable bond. Her children and especially her grandchildren brought her so much joy and pride that can not be measured.     She is survived by her husband,  W. Alan Mitchell, daughter, Carrie (James) Luttrell. Son, Christopher (Peggy) Head. Grandson, Derek Luttrell, Granddaughter, Brittani (Nathan Bradford) Head. Granddaughter, Kirsten (Austin) Kenney, Grandson, Adam (Amanda Carter) Head. Sister, Wilma Fafnis, brothers, Charles (Sue) Winterton and Mark (JoEllen) Winterton. Countless and adored nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by her parents, Elliott and Clara Winterton, former husband, Joseph Head, son, Derek Jon Head.    Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday,  January 27, 2024 from 1-5PM at PrairieView Golf Pavilion in Byron.   Memorials can be sent in Linda's honor to Ronald McDonald House or St Judes.