Linda Kathleen Lunsford

Linda Kathleen Lunsford (Lynch), 76 passed away peacefully on December 30 th, 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 stepsister, 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 her and Jo would enjoy cheering on the racers. While in Amarillo Linda went to Canyon University and got a BA in Accounting. 

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. 

Upon reentering the workforce, she took a position as the Office Manager for Dr. Clendenen. 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.

 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 in Los Alamos, 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.

Rivera Family Funeral Home in Los Alamos, NM would like to thank the family of Linda Lunsford for their trust. (505)753-2288