Linda Kay Kehl

Linda was one of the most selfless, compassionate and giving individuals one could ever know. She was a humanitarian who gave much of herself to helping others, including becoming one of the first volunteers for the Alamo Area Resource Center (AARC) in San Antonio, Texas. In the late 1980's and early 1990's, she became known as “The Dessert Lady”. Linda baked desserts in her own kitchen to distribute to clients of the AARC, many who were living with AIDS and acutely ill. Eventually, Linda began serving on the Board of Directors for AARC, including seven years as the Chair of the Board, where she oversaw some of the agency's greatest growth in serving thousands of individuals living with HIV in South Texas.

Linda took her board role seriously, and when AARC began "Jennifer's Camp," a children's camp for kids living with HIV/AIDS, she volunteered each summer the camp was held. Linda became a favorite of the campers, as well as AARC staff, for her easy interaction with everyone attending. With Linda in a leadership position, AARC developed some of the most innovative programs for people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, including the first HIV specific transportation program in the U.S., the first scattered-site housing model and the first non-profit Health Equity Clinic for marginalized populations, funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation. In 2017, AARC named a nursing scholarship for her, just two years after the clinic began operation. Under her leadership, AARC expanded all its programs any added housing, transportation, and medical care to any array of existing services. Linda most recently served as the first Board Chair Emeritus, in acknowledgement of her ongoing, tireless commitment to AARC and all humanitarian causes. Linda was very proud of being a key part of the agency for so long and became a friend to many in her time there.

And it was also her friendship that will never fade, as she gifted all with unconditional love and support anytime it was needed. Linda loved her garden, visiting New Orleans and rock 'n roll, and not necessarily in that order. But she gave selflessly in everything she did and lived a lifetime of giving to others.

Linda Kehl's loss is a profound one, as she was truly a light for so many who loved her dearly. But her life's work will continue, as she became something greater than herself, and gave her time to make compassionate health care a reality for many in South Texas. We will miss her friendship, her heart, and the stories she told about her early years. Linda was a blessing to many and will be dearly missed, but her work will continue at the agency and in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, David E. Kehl; daughter, Wynn H. Kehl; son Christian E. Kehl; brother, Hugh B. Nowlin and wife Susie of Fort Worth, Texas; sister, Colleen Stabenow and husband Edgar of Gig Harbor, Washington.

Family thanks all the staff at Methodist Hospital System especially Dr. Gladys Rodriguez, Dr. Burdick, and RN Bernardo for their care.

She will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Linda Kehl Fellowship, care of AARC, to The Humane Society or to the charity of your choice.