Linda E. Ward

Linda was born Linda Smith on July 11, 1952, in Dumas, Texas, to Nowlin and Claira Smith. She graduated from Sunray High School in 1971 before earning her nursing degree in Moore County. She began her nursing career at St. Anthony Hospital, where she faithfully cared for others with compassion and dedication. Linda met the love of her life, Mike Ward, after friends arranged a blind date at the Villa Inn Club on Mike's father's birthday. Their love story quickly blossomed, leading to their engagement and marriage on June 7, 1975. They began their life together in Sunray, living with Mike's parents as they built the foundation of a loving family.

On April 1, 1977, Linda made the decision to leave her nursing career to become a full-time mother. She welcomed her first daughter, Belinda, on June 2, 1979, and later welcomed her second daughter, Jennifer. As her daughters grew older, Linda returned to work at Amarillo Diagnostic Clinic, where she remained until 1996, when she happily retired to devote herself to caring for her beloved grandchildren—a role she treasured above all else. Linda found joy in the simple things that made life special. She loved arts and crafts, diamond art, Disney, Tinker Bell, cows, and her cherished sloth, Molly. She never turned down sweets, enjoyed meals at Sharky's, and delighted in watching Food Network. Family gatherings were made even more memorable by her famous Christmas appetizers and her playful habit of "cheating" at Skip-Bo. She also enjoyed shopping at Kay Jewelers. Her favorite song was Up, Up and Away by The Fifth Dimension, and she loved watching Up, Avatar, Virgin River, and the Harry Potter series. More than anything, Linda's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, caring daughter, and faithful friend. Her kindness, gentle spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering love will be remembered by all who knew her.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Mike Ward; her daughters, Belinda Arganbright and husband Daniel, and Jennifer Estrada and husband Ray; her grandchildren, Luke Arganbright, Jacob Arganbright, Annabelle Estrada, Emily Estrada, and Lily Estrada; her mother, Claira Smith; one brother; and two sisters.

She was preceded in death by her father, Nowlin Smith.

Linda's legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply and in the countless lives she touched with her compassion, warmth, and generous heart. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.