Linda Ann Smith

Some people leave behind memories. Others leave behind a way of living, loving, creating, and serving that continues to influence everyone who knew them. Linda Ann Smith was one of those rare people.

Born on March 6, 1948, in Seattle, Washington, Linda was the daughter of Robert William Thomas and Fern Genevieve Doolittle, both of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her beloved older sister, Donna Hallman, who cherished Linda from the moment she was born.

Reflecting on their childhood together, Donna recalled:

"I was ten when you were born, and to me as your big sister, you were this beautiful little girl that I needed to protect forever. You were always so inquisitive and imaginative, constantly with questions about everything. You became my shadow, and together we learned about everything. You loved school and would always share something you had learned."

As Linda grew, so did her playful spirit. Donna remembered how her little sister would mischievously flick the porch lights on and off when she returned home from dates, giggling behind the curtains, or race to answer the telephone only to tell callers that Donna was too busy to talk before hanging up. Those childhood memories remained a source of laughter throughout their lives. Even as adults, the sisters spoke frequently, their conversations filled with warmth, smiles, and infectious laughter.

In 1964, while working as lifeguards in Bothell, WA, Linda met Dennis Wilcox. Three years later, on May 9, 1967, they were married. As Dennis served as a Navy pilot, the young couple had the opportunity to live in several places and build a life together. Through years of hard work and shared commitment, they supported one another's ambitions, including Dennis's pursuit of veterinary school.

In 1980, Linda and Dennis embarked on a new venture, purchasing the Angeles Clinic for Animals in Port Angeles, WA. Together, they built an exceptional veterinary practice recognized consistently by the American Animal Hospital Association. Linda served as the hospital manager for eighteen years, helping to guide the clinic’s growth and success. Still, that title captured only a small fraction of what she truly accomplished during those years.

Linda's greatest joy was her family and a devoted mother to her two sons, Barry and Craig, born in 1978 and 1984. While managing a thriving business, Linda was also raising her two boys, preparing meals, driving to practices and activities, serving faithfully in her church and investing deeply in friendships. One of those friendships was with her longtime neighbor, Dr. Carleen Bensen. For more than twenty years, the two met nearly every morning before dawn to walk their dogs 2 to 3 miles.

Carleen remembered:

"Linda was crazy enough to get up to walk our dogs at 5:20 AM every morning with me. We did this for many years—in the dark winter mornings, on sometimes icy streets, and on beautiful early summer days. During those walks, we solved all the world's problems several times over. We saw shooting stars, northern lights, and local fauna. Linda was a great friend and confidant, and I learned so much from her about how to be a good mom to our sons. She was a kind, generous, and loving soul, and those traits live on in her sons. I am forever grateful to have been able to spend so many hours with her. She was always someone I could count on to be there."

Those who knew Linda knew she possessed an incredible work ethic and energy. She was typically in bed by ten and up at dawn, ready to embrace another day.

Dennis and Linda divorced in 1998; they later found partners to compliment their lives. Just before divorce, Linda had graduated from the massage school at Peninsula College . She went on to practice for nearly twenty years at Blue Heron Wellness Center in Port Angeles, helping countless people through her care and healing touch. Kathryn Cooper, an acupuncturist at Blue Heron, said. “she was grateful to have her as a partner and co-visionary. The wellness center would not have happened without her.”

On October 20, 2001, she married Richard Thomas Smith in Bellevue, WA and they resided in Port Angeles, WA. Richard and Linda met on a dating site for Latter-Day Saint singles. Through this marriage she also embraced his daughters - Amanda, Brina, and Jessica - as her own. She also welcomed Craig's wife, Tiffany as family in 2006 and treasured her role as grandmother to Cooper, Paisley, Lola, and Stella. Amanda's four children and Jessica's two children further expanded the family circle that Linda loved so deeply.

During their working years, Richard and Linda created a beautiful home overlooking the Straits of Juan de Fuca. From her back porch, family and friends could sit in peaceful tranquility, surrounded by her garden while gazing out over the body of water towards Vancouver Island. Linda created a garden at each home she resided at over the past many decades with vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Richard and Linda also took the opportunity to travel around the northwest to visit family and friends. Linda had a spirit to her that was welcomed by all.

In 2018, they would move to Sun City West, AZ, to enjoy their retirement. The move provided exactly what Linda hoped for: an abundance of sunshine and warmth. However, when the Phoenix heat rolled in, they eagerly set out on summer travels, exploring the beauty of the United States by car or RV. The desert climate gave her endless opportunities year round to embrace the outdoors - whether she was gardening, walking, cycling, creating art, or spending time with cherished friends. Two of these friends were Ron and Cheryl, long-time companions from Port Angeles who became neighbors just across the street in Arizona. The built-in history made the move to Arizona a new adventure with the comfort of friendship. Cheryl and Linda spoke nearly every evening, continuing a friendship built on years of trust, laughter, and support. Arizona also gave Linda something she treasured deeply: freedom to create. Whether working with clay, painting on canvas, crafting gifts, or tending her garden, she found joy in making beautiful things. Creativity was not simply a hobby for Linda - it was one of the ways she expressed love.

Her grandchildren held a sacred place in her heart, and Linda channeled her love for them into exquisite, one-of-a-kind handmade gifts. She had an incredible way of making people feel seen and cherished through her creative work and undivided attention. Driven by extraordinary talent and boundless energy, Linda was someone who translated ideas into action. Whatever sparked her curiosity, she pursued to mastery - continually seeking new ways to elevate health and vitality through healthy behaviors,

And then there was her cooking. Linda was a true master of preparation, creativity, and execution. Anyone fortunate enough to sit at her table understood that a meal prepared by her was never merely food; it was hospitality, generosity, and love served on a plate. For example, of her many creations, were apple bars which she absolutely loved making for her grandchildren. Family and friends knew they could always expect something magnificent, thoughtfully prepared, and served with genuine joy.

Linda's heart was always full of pride for her sons' grit, integrity, and achievements. In their earlier years, she was their constant champion through competitive swimming and cycling. Later in life, that deep pride was reflected in Craig’s honorable Navy career and the beautiful family he built, as well as in Barry’s accomplishments as an exercise physiologist and university Instructor of exercise and nutritional sciences. Linda remained Barry's ultimate cheerleader, passionately supporting him through his hand-cycling with Team USA and his many domestic and international competitions with eyes set on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. Linda and Barry would often go on bike rides together when he visited.

On May 14, 2026, Richard and Linda set out for a summer getaway at an RV resort in Alpine, WY - a trip meant to balance work, play, and time together. Tragically, their journey was cut short on May 16th in Heber City, UT, following a severe automobile accident caused by another driver. While Richard survived with minimal injuries, Linda was life-flighted to a nearby trauma center. She fought courageously in the ICU for six days, surrounded by the immense love of her family. On May 22, 2026, Linda passed away peacefully in Provo, UT.

Linda approached life with a rare combination of unwavering faith and boundless enthusiasm. A true follower of Christ, those around her witnessed her faith not just in her convictions, but in her actions. Her daily walk was defined by kindness, generosity, and a compassionate heart that was always ready to serve.

She lived with immense purpose, constantly learning, creating, and looking forward to what came next. Though her time with us was cut far too short, she packed a lifetime of living into her years, embracing the world with total immersion. Linda sought health and vitality, treasured her family, cultivated deep friendships, and found breathtaking beauty in everyday moments. She balanced her many talents as an artist, healer, cook, gardener, sister, and friend, always centering her heart on being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Once again, Linda had purpose.

Her love and devotion brought immense comfort to Richard’s family, who always knew he was deeply loved and cared for. Amanda, Brina, and Jessica will forever cherish Linda as a woman who led by example, beautifully demonstrating balance, grace, and a commitment to lifelong growth. They deeply valued her wisdom, trusted her judgement, and appreciated the practical, thoughtful advice she so generously shared. Linda didn’t just enrich Rich’s life, she left a beautiful, lasting imprint on each of theirs.

Above all, Linda was deeply loved. Her beautiful legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the hearts she touched, and the quiet ripples of creativity and love that will continue to change the world because she was here.

Linda Ann Smith will be missed beyond words and remembered with gratitude, admiration, and love for all the days to come.