LINDA KATHLEEN LUNSFORD (LYNCH) June 16, 1948 – Dec. 30, 2024
Linda Kathleen Lunsford (Lynch), 76, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024. Taken too soon as she had so many things still planned with her family and friends. The world unexpectedly lost one of the most beautiful, kindest and loving souls to ever grace this world.
Linda was born on June 16, 1948, in Washington, D.C. to parents Walter and Mary Lynch (Theis) as a second child to an older brother, Steve and younger step-sister, Katie. As a child she was energetic and loved her dog, Queenie. Spending time with her favorite Swedish Aunt, who is the namesake of her youngest daughter, bragging about getting her fashion sense from her classy and sassy Auntie who was a revered seamstress when most women were not allowed to work.
Linda attended elementary school in Washington, D.C. After leaving D.C., her family moved to Las Cruces where she greatly enjoyed growing up. Linda attended Lynn Junior High and then Las Cruces High. In High School she was a Cheerleader, Debutante, Rainbow Girl and was named Bulldog Sweetheart.
According to her dearest friend Judy, she was considered “one of the boys” growing up with an older brother. She was always outside doing whatever the guys were doing (the only girl). She was popular and well-liked by everyone. Her brother describes that they took Physics together and she did all the work, because she was the “smart” one. She was sweet with a big belly laugh and was ornery, ditching classes if the boys were doing something fun. Always competitive in Archery in High School with her brother and many times won local and State competitions.
After graduating High School, she spent a year in Honolulu, Hawaii working at the Dole Plantation and attending college at UH, absolutely falling in love with the Aloha Spirit. She returned to Las Cruces to marry Wayne in 1968, Then, in 1972 she had her first child, Sharee. She had her second child, Thomas, in 1974 and third child, Kristina in 1979 in Amarillo, TX. Early in her marriage, she would keep her sister-in-law, Jo Lynn, company on Friday’s while Steve worked in Chama over the Summer. While at the race tracks Wayne worked on race cars while she and Jo would enjoy cheering on the racers. While in Amarillo Linda got a BS from WTSU/Canyon, Texas.
In 1981 the family moved to Los Alamos, NM for her husband’s new opportunity at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She was a proud homemaker, always spoiling her children with freshly made desserts and goodies, like Rice Krispies treats with extra marshmallows. She also spent time with the local ladies’ groups and had many adventures with the Girl Scouts. When time allowed her a chance to get away, she would attend Girls State at the NMSU campus and Glorieta Christian Camp. Even if she had to stay in the old dorms, it was always a fun adventure. She and the family were active in the local Church of Christ spending a lot of time with the congregation and making many dear friends over the years.
Every time she returned to Las Cruce for a visit, she would reminisce about being young, always pointing out not only where she used to live, but all the wonderful memories of friends and where they used to frequent such as the Drive-in movies, Classic Diners (and maybe a few parties on occasion). On a recent trip during Thanksgiving, she wanted to revisit her old haunts sharing all her nostalgic memoirs. Las Cruces was always her second home and every visit was cherished. Not to mention the food was always an added bonus.
Upon reentering the workforce, she took a position as the Office Manager for Dr. Clendenen in Los Alamos. She worked there for many years enjoying all her coworkers and patients alike as they had all become her extended family. After leaving Dr. Clendenen’s office she began her career at Jim Dinkel’s office where she flourished as an Accountant. The office had become her dear family over the years and she adored many of her clients as they had also become her family. Her career there had become one of her greatest accomplishments and she had found something she loved and excelled at. She loved so many things such as crafting, painting, cross-stitching, sewing, quilting and traveling. Always keeping herself busy with creating dresses, costumes and other crafts for her children and grandchildren.
When her youngest daughter returned from Denver with a surprising new passion in 2008, The Colorado Rockies also became her new obsession. She fell in love with Baseball and didn’t miss a single game on TV. Even when they were miserably losing, she still had faith in them. She kept saying there is always hope, which we knew was not specific to Baseball, but to Everything.
She would look forward to her trip to Denver to watch “her boys”. It was always so hard to leave as it brought her so much joy and happiness. She would always brag about sitting “only in club seats” as she became just as bougie as her youngest daughter.
She was the most amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Her love and kindness for everyone was infinite as she adored everyone with her whole heart.
There was no end to her generosity and selflessness. To know her was to love her. She would want everyone to remember her for her infectious laugh, beautiful smile, big hugs and maybe a little of her orneriness.
Linda was preceded in death by both of her parents and late husband Wayne. She is survived by her three children, Sharee, Thomas and Kristina, her grandchildren, Ashana, Jerrel, Anna, Jordan, Kyreen, Alaina, Breana and her great-granddaughter Oaklee, her brother Steve, and her step sister Katie.
Services, supported by Rivera Funeral Home, will be on January 18, 2025, at The Christian Church, 92 East Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544 starting at 12:00 PM. with light refreshments and fellowship to follow.
In lieu of flowers please make Donations to the Los Alamos Senior Center, https://larso.org/donations.