Linda Lee Yates

Linda Lee Yates, 78, was born March 7, 1948, in Rockford, Illinois, and passed away on October 16, 2026. A longtime resident of Lake in the Hills, Illinois, Linda will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by all who had the privilege to know her.

Raised in Rockford, Linda shared her early years with her siblings, Pamela (Freedlund) and Charles (Brown). She attended Guilford High School and later pursued the calling that would define her life’s work. Linda earned her Bachelor's in Education from Western Illinois University and continued her studies at St. Xavier's University, completing a Masters in Education—an achievement that reflected both her steady wisdom and her belief in the power of learning.

Linda devoted 41 years to teaching 3rd and 4th grade at District 300. She found true purpose in shaping young minds and took special joy in helping children become excited to learn. Known for her love of teaching math, she brought clarity and confidence to countless students, offering not only instruction, but encouragement that stayed with them long after they left her classroom. Even after “retirement,” Linda continued to substitute, a quiet testament to how deeply she valued education and the people within it.

In 1972, Linda married Gary Yates. They met through a mutual friend after Gary was discharged from the Air Force, and together they built a life centered on laughter, and family. Linda was the proud mother of two sons, Michael and Timothy. She was, in every sense, an amazing mother—present and engaged in sports, education, and the daily moments that shape a family. She continued that steadfast support even as her sons reached adulthood. She taught them to love with a full heart, to respect others, and to meet life with a sense of humor that could lighten even difficult days.

Linda cherished time with her family, especially her granddaughters and extended family. Many will miss the simple gift of talking with her and receiving her advice. Her presence was a source of warmth and strength for everyone she knew.

Outside of family and teaching, Linda enjoyed girls’ trips with her high school and teacher friends, traveling to places such as Missouri, San Francisco, and Galena. She loved reading, and she treasured her two dogs, Lucy and Cubby McDuff Yates, who brought her comfort and companionship.

Linda’s legacy lives on in the family she loved so faithfully, and in the generations of students whose lives were shaped by her patience, wisdom, and steady belief in their potential.

Linda is survived by her son & daughter-in-law Timothy & Holly Yates; son Michael's fiancée, Marlena Lara; granddaughters Alexis Yates, Katelyn Webb, Cydney Webb, Ainsley Yates & Cassandra Webb; her grandson Kyle (Morgan) Webb; great-granddaughters Lillie Kelly, Brianna Kelly, Emma Escalante & Juniper Webb; sister Pamela Freedlund; brother Charles Brown; nieces Treina (Chris) Kairy & Nicole (Eric) Klassen; nephew Jeremy (Amy) Yates; cousin Andrea Zucherro; and sister-in-law Jannette Holtzman.

Linda is preceded in death by her husband, Gary Yates; son Michael Yates; parents Harry & Patricia Lindstrom; father and mother-in-law Herbert & Mary Yates; brothers-in-law David Yates & Loren Freedlund; sister-in-law LaVonne Brown; nephew Troy Brown; and companion Mark Carlson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 West Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, US, on November 14, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with a service beginning at 3:00 pm.