Linda Lee (Graham) Gillem

Linda Lee Gillem, age 83, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully on
Sunday, February 11, 2024 while surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 28, 1940 to her parents, Leslie Vern Graham and Leona Margaret (Kitchen) Graham.

Linda graduated from Kokomo High School in the class of 1958. She then went on to attend IN Business College in Kokomo. For 36 years, Linda was the assistant to the Registrar and was in charge of student records for IUK- Kokomo. She and her husband Jerry owned the Pizza Den of Kokomo and Lake Freeman, Gilly’s Gay 90’s, and the Filling Station. In addition to all of those responsibilities, she also helped with the Census Bureau over the years.

Linda was very family oriented and her faith was very important to her. Since 1964, she was a proud member of Faith Presbyterian Church. Linda was part of the first group of members following the founding members. Her dedication led her to serve on numerous committees through the years. Linda also joined Beta Sigma Phi in 1964, and held every office a number of times spanning through the years. This allowed Linda to be even more involved with her community, which she loved. WE CARE was one of Linda’s favorite events. Linda also attended and participated in the Great Banquet; and then went on to encourage others to attend the life changing
experience.

She was an avid swimmer and caretaker of her beloved home, where she hosted many generations of family events over the course of her lifetime.

She firmly believed that she could make a difference in this world and poured her whole heart into serving others. Her caring and loving ways were passed onto her five amazing children as well as her many grandchildren. Linda beamed with pride for her family and was thankful for every moment shared with them. Linda will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to carry on Linda’s legacy of love are her children, Lori (Gary) Butler, Steve Gillem. Shelley Gillem, Nancy (Ken) Kuhn; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jess) Newbill, Rachel Gillem, Jeremy Gillem, Maggie McGee, Natalie Gillem, Luke Kuhn, Jack Kuhn, Annabelle Kuhn; 7 great grandchildren; siblings, Carol Phillips, LV “Bud” (Mela) Graham, Ivan Graham; niece, Kerri Kinsey; nephews, John (Chris) Kinsey, Jeff (Amber) Kinsey; brother-in-law, John (Joyce) Kinsey and her wonderful companion Don Pitner.

Linda was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, LV and Leona Graham; daughter, Jennifer Gillem; husband of 45 years, Jerry Lee Gillem; brother-in-law, Steve Phillips; sister-in-law, Martha Ellen “Ellie” Graham, aunt and uncle Alex and Evelyn Dickson and numerous other loving family members.

A memorial service celebrating Linda’s life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Faith Presbyterian Church, located at 1608 Kirk Row in Kokomo, Indiana, with Pastor Jeff Brown officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service beginning at 12:00 pm at the church.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gillem family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Linda with her family on her tribute wall.

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