Linda Jean Ghast's Obituary
Decatur – Linda Jean (Carrell) Ghast, 73, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at home in the company of her husband and two of their children. Linda was born September 19, 1944, in Mattoon, Illinois, the eldest child of Todd and Lanore (Brackney) Carrell. She graduated from Mattoon High School in 1962, and throughout her life worked as a highly skilled medical transcriptionist and secretary. She could spell any and every word, type like the wind at speeds over 180 words per minute, and hold a conversation with you while transcribing medical dictation from a headphone set. She loved reading mystery novels, arranging flowers, and performing in church and civic vocal and bell choirs. But her greatest joy was her family.
Linda married Russell Kent Ghast, her loving husband of 54 years, in 1963. Together they have three children: Shelley (Alan) Nielsen of Crystal Lake, IL, Doug Ghast, and Christopher (Sunny) Ghast of Ft. Wayne, IN, and six grandchildren: Zachary, Caroline, Ann Marie, Natalie, Logan, and Sam.
Linda is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, a brother, and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A graveside funeral service will be held Monday, December 4, 2017 at 11:00am at Graceland Cemetery, 2901 N. Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Linda’s name be made to “Cancer Care Institute Medical Oncology Services” and sent to Decatur Memorial Foundation, 2300 N Edward Street, Decatur, IL 62526.
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