Urbana, IL - Linda (Cooprider) Francis passed from this earth while in hospice care on March 23, 2026, following a year-long battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She is survived by her husband, Craig Francis; children Heidi Slinkard, Shaun Slinkard and Daniel (Amanda) England; grandchildren Alex Holloway, Raven (Cam) Whitaker, Derek (Emily) Holloway, Jackson Brasher, Dagon England, Colin Brasher, Carter Slinkard, Noelle Slinkard, Colton England and Parker Slinkard; great-grandchildren Penelope, Ivy and Luna Holloway and Lyla Whitaker; her sister Irma (Bradley) Jesop; her sister-in-law Kathy Cooprider, and the Francis contingent of her family who she enjoyed since her marriage to Craig in 2002 including her sisters-in-law Connie Francis and Maree Beckon, stepkids Mark (Sue) and Julie, grandkids Heather, Matthew, Robby (Anna), Monica (Carson) and Ryan, and great grandkids Alyssa, Mariana, Caleb, Declan, Bailey, Harvey, Connor and Frankie. Additionally, Linda had a large extended family and many friends who she regarded as family who will also feel this loss. Linda was preceded in death by her parents William ("Bill") and Matilda ("Hilde") (Schweinester) Cooprider; and her brother Ronald ("Ron") Cooprider.

Although they met in Terre Haute, IN, while Linda worked at Indiana State University, Linda and Craig relocated to FL and lived in Bonita Springs and then Fort Myers until 2025 when they returned north. Linda lived a very active life until shortly after her 70th birthday, playing golf several times a week and participating in Board positions or volunteering often with organizations including the Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club, the Elks Club, and the Salvation Army. She also kept busy managing Craig's business and embroidering fun gift items for craft shows or her Etsy shop in her spare time.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 25, 2026 from 4:30-6 p.m. at Wildwood Venues, 5129 E. Old Maple Avenue in Terre Haute, IN 47803. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Salvation Army or bring a fun story to share as we celebrate Linda's life.