Longtime Abingdon Resident Linda Lou Bent Passes Away at 81

Bent's family and community celebrate her life at memorial service this Wednesday.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:09am

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A softly focused, impressionistic photograph of a cozy living room, with a framed family portrait and vase of flowers, conveying a sense of warmth and nostalgia.The memorial service will celebrate Linda Lou Bent's lifelong commitment to family and community in the town of Abingdon.Abingdon Today

Linda Lou Bent, a longtime resident of Abingdon, Illinois, passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 81. Bent is survived by her son, daughter, brother, eight grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, at New Harvest Church in Abingdon.

Why it matters

Linda Lou Bent was a pillar of the Abingdon community, working as a cosmetologist and member of the First Assembly Church of God. Her passing marks the end of an era for the town, as she leaves behind a large, close-knit family and many friends who will gather to honor her life and legacy.

The details

Bent was born in Galesburg, Illinois in 1944 and married her husband James 'Jim' C. Bent in 1962. They were married for 53 years until his passing in 2015. In addition to her son and daughter, Bent is survived by a brother, eight grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. She worked at Carhartt Inc. and Walmart in Galesburg while also operating a cosmetology business from her home. Bent was an active member of the First Assembly Church of God in Abingdon.

  • Linda Lou Bent passed away on April 4, 2026.
  • A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The players

Linda Lou Bent

An 81-year-old longtime resident of Abingdon, Illinois who passed away on April 4, 2026. She was a cosmetologist and active member of the First Assembly Church of God.

James 'Jim' C. Bent

Linda's husband of 53 years who passed away in 2015.

Sherry Jones-Bent

Linda's daughter who resides in Abingdon.

James 'Jim' Bent

Linda's son who lives in Camdenton, Missouri.

Jay Strickland

Linda's brother who lives in Galesburg, Illinois.

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The takeaway

Linda Lou Bent's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit Abingdon community, where she was known as a beloved family member, active churchgoer, and local business owner. Her large, multigenerational family and many friends will gather to celebrate her life and legacy at the memorial service this Wednesday.