Linda Stroder

Linda Stroder, 75, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Linda was born Oct. 4, 1945, in Marble Hill, Missouri, to Lindell and Fern James.

On Sept. 8, 1963, she was married to Larry Alexander Stroder. Together they raised a son, Steven, and a daughter, Sheryl.

Linda had a passion for creating beauty and bringing happiness to the world. She expressed this passion through multiple creative hobbies of flower arranging, decorating, painting, cooking and writing.

In the early '70s through the early '90s, she was known widely for her extraordinary floral arrangements and decorating.

While she always seemed to be an amazing cook, she truly became a culinary artist in the mid-'90s, creating amazing meals for her family and friends with lavishly prepared meals that would simply amaze her guests and give great pleasure to all who partook.

Later in life, Linda became Lin. We like to call this her philosophical stage. She developed a great love of painting and sharing her wisdom of life with her family and friends. She created many amazing works of art with her painting, and seldom charged anything for her work. This seemed to be a labor of love to share her amazing gift with the world, again creating beauty for all to enjoy.

The philosophical side of Lin began to blossom several years back when she wrote a speech about coming from Marble Hill for her women's sorority, Beta Sigma Phi. This seemed to lead her to find another avenue of creativity in writing. Shortly after her speech to the sorority, she was inspired to begin writing a cookbook. This endeavor continued for about 20 years as she completed the book of family stories and recipes coupled with her amazing art, just a month or two before she took ill.

Lin will always be known for her creative spirit, her passion for life and her witty disposition. She will be missed by many but never forgotten.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Stroder; her son, Steven Stroder (Angie); her daughter, Sheryl Henley (Don); her brother, John "Jack" James; eight wonderful grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Lindell; her mother, Fern; and a brother, Floyd.

At Linda's wish, there will be no funeral service held, but rather, a celebration of life will be held at a later date for all her friends and family to gather and toast the creative spirit that was Lin.

Liley Funeral Homes was in charge of arrangements.