Linda Rae Fugate

Linda Rae Fugate lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, community service, and a deep love for the young people she mentored. Born to Ray L. and Bess Lee Myers on August 23, 1940, she grew up surrounded by the strength and support of extended family, including Hub and Eula Price, who helped raise her after her mother lost her sight. That early foundation of resilience and community shaped the woman she became—steadfast, generous, and endlessly committed to others.

In 1971, following the passing of her father-in-law, Linda and her husband, Orvis, took over Fugate Enterprises, a plumbing and electrical hardware store on 8th Street until 1986. Never one to sit still, she then owned and operated Hair Connection Beauty Salon until 1994.

After retiring from business ownership, Linda poured her heart into her passion for youth development through 4 H. She was a leader, mentor, and advocate for the Yuma West 4 H Club and its members, supporting their participation in the Yuma County Fair and Yuma S.A.I.L.A. Her dedication helped shape countless young people throughout the years.

When Orvis retired from the City of Yuma Water Division in 1998, the couple moved to Williams, Arizona, where Linda managed DeBerge Western Clothing Store & Saddle Shop. They then returned to Yuma in 2011. After Orvis passed away in 2012, Linda enjoyed precious years surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her beloved Jack Russell, Dulce.

Linda’s energy and enthusiasm extended far beyond her work. She enjoyed many years of stockcar racing, watching her grandchildren playing softball, 4-H meetings and County Fairs and Livestock shows.

Linda passed away at Onvida Hospital on February 12, 2026, surrounded with the love of her family and the amazing ICU care team. She is preceded in death by her parents Ray L. and Bess Lee Myers, husband Orvis Fugate, sisters Evelyn Breech (Joe), Pauline Bingham (Lawrence), son-in-law Dan Lomax, nieces Martha Breech Ott (Wren) and Judy Breech Pemberton, cousins Frankie Allerton Novis, and Marty Allerton, and numerous aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her children Jonny (Martha) Fugate, Lisa Fugate-Lomax, Kreg (Tracy) Fugate, granddaughters Andrea (Herman) Fazz, Lacey (Greg) Arenas, Lexi (Josh) Oldenburg, Brooke (Tanner) Candelore, great grandchildren Aedan Fazz, Alexa Fazz, Sloane Arenas, Case Arenas, Camille Oldenburg, Rothwell Oldenburg, Haley Candelore, Emmy Candelore, her companion and caregiver Ernie Shoemaker, nieces and nephews Pam Bingham Brummell (Larry), Bobby Bingham, and Jimmy Bingham, grandnieces: Josephine Pemberton, and Wynette Pemberton Sills (Ed), and many cousins, relatives, and cherished friends across Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Alaska.

Pallbearers are Jon Fugate, Kreg Fugate, Herman Fazz, Aedan Fazz, Greg Arenas, Tommy Ray, Josh Oldenburg, Tanner Candelore, Doug Pemberton, Larry Brummell, Ernie Shoemaker, and Ed Carpenter.

Honorary Pallbearers are Andrea Fazz, Lacey Arenas, Lexi Oldenburg, Brooke Candlelore, Alexa Fazz, Sloane Arenas, Case Arenas, Melissa Ray, Josephine Pemberton, Pam Brummell, Yancey Howard, Patty Faulkner, Marlena Parrott, Patsy McBride, and Carol Schmidgall.

There will be a viewing held on Monday, February 23, from 5pm to 8pm at Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, February 24th at 10am at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. Celebration of Life to follow at American Legion Post #19 from 12pm to 4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Linda’s memory by donating to Hospice of Yuma.