Linda D. Rencher

Linda Diana Rencher, also affectionately known as “Diane”, was born on September 27, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois to Frank and Lucille Gales.  She was the fifth of six children, a wife, a mother, a grandmother “Granny Nanny”, a great-grandmother, an aunt/TT, and a true friend.  

Diane attended Daniel Webster Grammar School and graduated from John Marshall Metropolitan High School in 1975.  She married Donald Brown Sr., who preceded her in death, and to this union they welcomed their son, Donald “Byrd” Brown Jr.  Following that union, she was later blessed with a second son, Jimmy Lee “Doodie” Edwards Jr., born to Jimmy Lee Edwards Sr.  She gained genuine friends and sincere extended family throughout her careers at Menards, Comcast, and Ace Hardware.

Diane met the Love of Her Life, Eddie Rencher Sr, during both of their careers at the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation.  He asked her to go on a date and their friendship and love grew on every occasion they met.  He knew she was the final one for him, asked her to marry him, and she happily said “YAAASSSSS”!.  They later were married on her birthday, 9/27/1996, making that one of the sweetest birthdays. Their established families grew together in love becoming one big happy family.

Diane had unconditional love for her sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and entire family!  She showed and showered it at every opportunity.  Some instances may have been tough love, others not so much.  But, it was always LOVE that she gave.

Diane excepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Presentation Catholic Church on October 4, 1964 under the leadership of Rev. William O’Connelly.  She later joined Broadview Missionary Baptist Church “The View” where she loved studying the Bible every day and actively engaging in her online Sunday School class. She definitely stayed current with her daily “Read The Bible In 365” readings! 

Diane was known as the Family Comedian, always quick with a come-back that you couldn’t help but laugh at. She was also the Family & Friends Business Manager, willingly and knowledgeably managing business affairs for her loved ones. And last, but not least, was the Family Fixer, anything around the house, a car, or just life was no match for her and her hands!  Oh, and she loved a good bingo game and trip to the casino.

On Easter Sunday Morning, April 5, 2026 at 10:03am, at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville, God blessed our beloved Diane with eternal sweet rest.  Her firm yet loving hands and endearment for her family will forever live on in our hearts.  

She leaves to cherish her memory: Sons, Donald Brown, Edward Rencher, Eddie Rencher Jr., Curtis Rencher, Donnie Rencher and Daughters, Annetta Robinson, Tameka Burgess, Monique Washington; Brother, Frank Gales Jr. and Sisters, Geraldine Carson, Juanita Hobson, Debra Gales; Grandchildren, Diazaree Edwards, Deja Brown, Destiny Brown; Great-Grandchildren, DeVarierre Edwards, Eli Bielawski, Layloni Dantzler; Nephews, Anthony Gales Jr, Floyd Collins, Marcus Collins, Sherrod Gales, DeAndre Gales; Nieces, Tesha Gales, Rochelle Gaines, Glenda Ewing, Crystal Gales, Selena Edwards (Honorary Daughter); Honorary Sisters, Betty Danley, Elaine Williams, Linda Diane Adams, Shonnette Banks; and a host of other relatives and friends who will always remember and cherish her precious memories. 

Preceding her in death are her beloved; Parents, Frank and Lucille Gales; Husband, Eddie Rencher Sr.; Son, Jimmy Lee Edwards; Brother, Anthony Gales Sr; Brother-in-laws, Earl Carson, Donald Hobson, Willie Edwards; Sister-In-Laws, Barbara Gales, Lucindia Gales, Marvina Gales; Nephews, Shaquille Gales, DeAndre Elijah Gales; Niece, Andrea Reese.
 

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