Linda Bailey Hodges

April 24, 1949 – November 13, 2025

Linda Bailey Hodges passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, at her home in Venice, Florida, at the age of 76, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Linda spent her early childhood living throughout the Southeast as her father’s railroad career moved the family from place to place. These experiences nurtured her adaptability, resilience, and gift for understanding people—qualities she carried throughout her life. Her family eventually settled in Chesterfield, Missouri, and called the St. Louis area home. 

Linda attended the University of Missouri, where she met the love of her life, Gilbert (Gil) Hodges. They married on July 31, 1971, beginning a lifelong partnership defined by devotion, warmth, and the humor that made their relationship uniquely theirs. Four years later, to the day, they welcomed their first daughter, Lauren, followed four years later by their daughter, Kristen, who completed their family.

Linda and Gil raised their family in Naperville, Illinois, where they lived for 27 years. During this time, Linda built a distinguished career as a partner at WittKieffer, a nationally recognized leadership advisory and executive search firm serving healthcare, education, and life-science organizations. Known for her sharp insight, grace, and genuine care, Linda helped shape leadership teams across the country. Colleagues valued her humor, steadiness, and thoughtful guidance.

Family was the heart of Linda’s life. She cherished her daughters and embraced their partners as family. Lauren and her husband, Thomas (“TJ”) Russell, blessed her with two grandchildren —Tyler and Jameson—who brought her endless joy. Linda also shared a deep, loving bond with Kristen and her long-term partner, Mary Laundry, with whom she enjoyed countless meaningful moments.

In 2015, Linda and Gil retired to Venice, Florida, where they enjoyed sunshine, community, and the peaceful rhythm of a life well lived.

Linda will be remembered for her elegance, intelligence, wit, and quiet strength. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel heard, offering love and thoughtful counsel to all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Gil Hodges; her daughters Lauren (TJ) Russell and Kristen Hodges (Mary Laundry); her grandchildren Tyler and Jameson; and her brother Randy (Linda) Bailey and niece Jenni (Tyson) Cook.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Olyn and Norma Bailey; her grandparents, Oscar and Annie Kahn; and her best friend of 40 years, Sue Augustine.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Naperville, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to two local charities, the South County Food Pantry or Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue,  honoring two causes near and dear to Linda’s heart. 

Linda’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, with her determination, wisdom, and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.