Linda Joy (Roush) Havens

Linda Joy (Roush) Havens, 72, formerly of Dahlonega, GA died surrounded by family after a sudden illness Wednesday, March 3, 2016, at the Noble House Retirement Home in Jacksonville, FL.

Linda was born in Woodstock, IL on August 24, 1943 to Clarence L. and Kathryn (McKnight) Roush.

Mrs. Havens grew up in Woodstock IL where she had fond memories of horses, dogs, pet pigs and family vacations to the family cabin in Birchwood, WI. She always surrounded herself with people and laughter. After graduation from Woodstock High School in 1961, she went to work at Oak Industries in Crystal Lake. She also was a pharmacy tech at the Woodstock Memorial Hospital. In her early twenties, she and her best friend Sally McConnell were in a bowling league at Edgetown Bowling Lanes when she met a Korean War veteran that swept her off her feet. In 1967, she married Gerald L. Beckus and two years later had their only child, Jeralyn. Although the two divorced they maintained a close relationship for the remainder of their years. Linda then married Robert (Bob) Havens of Marengo in 1977 living in Crystal Lake IL where she worked for McHenry County schools as a crossing guard and in food service. A few years after her husband passed away suddenly, she moved to the mountains of Dahlonega, Georgia to be closer to her twin brother and daughter who worked in Atlanta. Linda loved the Lord, her Savior, loved to spend time with her family, loved to listen to music, had a soft spot for any and all animals, and had many friends in Dahlonega where she frequented the old Huddle House. She was a beautiful bright light that will be missed by all.

She is survived by her loving only daughter, Jeralyn (Chuck) Forcier; 3 grandchildren, Jake, Jenna and Olivia Forcier; twin brother Larry J. Roush (Anita) Dahlonega, Ga; brothers Richard W. Roush (Marsha) Wilmington, NC; Robert Roush Stinson Beach, CA; Uncle Russell (Isabel) Roush, San Luis Obispo, CA, stepsons Shane & Steven Havens and nieces/nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband Gerald Beckus and her late husband Robert D. Havens, Marengo IL.

Visitation will be held at the Banister Funeral Home 6:00pm-8:00pm Thursday, March 10, 2016. The service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2016, at Dahlonega Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Hutcheson officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Interment will be in Dahlonega Memorial Park Cemetery

A special thanks to all who gave such love and care to Linda during her stay at the Noble House Retirement Home.

Donations will be accepted in the memory Mrs. Havens at the Humane Society of Lumpkin County or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (Alzfdn.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.banisterfuneralhome.net

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega, GA is in charge of the arrangements.