Neva Linkous

LINKOUS, NEVA RACHELBorn in Kingsport, TN, March 3, 1925, died peacefully at home on January 7, 2013 in Albuquerque, NM at age 87. Neva grew up in Kingsport, TN where she attended Kingsport High School, inherited her mother's cheerful temperament, crashed a plane in a bean field while taking flying lessons, and met her lifelong husband and companion, Col. Russell E. Linkous (USAF-Ret.). Married October 16, 1945, Neva and Russ went on to make their lives in Emery, VA; Columbus, OH; San Antonio, TX; Long Beach and Livermore, CA; Camp Springs, MD; and Albuquerque. Neva preserved her jubilant "Tennessee twang" and Southern charm throughout all her years and managed to volunteer and work at a number of interesting jobs, all while raising four sons and supporting Russ in his long and successful career as an Air Force officer. Neva was a skilled secretary, which eventually led her to serve as personal secretary and office manager to U.S. Senators John Tower of Texas and Joseph Montoya of New Mexico in their Washington, DC offices. Equally skilled as a seamstress and homemaker, Neva designed costumes for the Albuquerque Little Theater and the Civic Light Opera, including all of the costumes for productions of The King and I, Li'l Abner and South Pacific, each of which played for several weeks at the Albuquerque Civic Center in the late 1960's. As a devoted mother and avid supporter of her boys, Neva was always ready to serve as den mother, PTA volunteer, junior rodeo mom, horse show mom, roadie for the band, or to offer a kind word and a welcome place to come home to. Neva spread her love to others through her delectable cookies and brownies, and especially delighted in baking with her grandchildren. She was a devoted member of Paradise Hills United Methodist Church and enjoyed volunteering in the church pre-school. Neva was comforted by the kindness, peace, and prayers offered by Rev. Dave Snyman and her fellow church members and friends during her last year. Neva is survived by her husband and her family that she loved so dearly: sons, Gary Linkous and wife, Becky, Rick Linkous, Shane Linkous and wife, Amy, and Lois Linkous, wife of her late son, Alan; grandchildren, Brent Linkous and wife, Shannon, Russ Linkous and wife, Ally, Kelsey Holmes and husband, Tony, Kristy Swan and husband, Donnie, Katey Linkous, Carter Linkous, and Quin Linkous; and ten great-grandchildren, Jordan, Kayleigh, Trinity, Journey, Presley, Micah, Faith, Neveah, Granite and Rachel; as well as many other wonderful friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, James Alan Linkous; and great-grandson, Job. A celebration of Neva's life will take place on Saturday, January 19, 2013, 1:00 p.m., at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, 4700 Paradise Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the PHUMC Preschool at 4700 Paradise Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114. Please visit our online guest book for Neva at Golf Course Rd NW505-897-0300