Linda L. Milton of Tucumcari, NM died November 26, 2016, at her home after surrendering to a rare form of brain cancer. She was 68 years old. Linda was born on September 3, 1948, in Torrington, CT. She is preceded in death by her father, Alfred Day Milton, and her mother, Dorothy Bitzer Milton; by her nieces, Abigail Platt and Amy Schroeder; and by her feline babies: Aster, Ben, Sackville, Pinkerton, Findlay, Andrew, Gus, and Samantha. She is survived by her longtime BFF, Mary Dorothy Mooney of Pittsburgh, PA and her longtime BFF, Elizabeth J. Morris of Tucumcari, NM. She is also survived by her sisters, Edith Milton and Lois Schroeder of Torrington, CT, and by two nieces, Amanda Avalone (Bryce) and Liss Platt (Claudia). Linda graduated from Torrington High School in 1966; from Northwestern Connecticut Community College in 1972 (A.S.); and from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1975 (B.S.). She enlisted in the United States Army in1975 and trained at Hunter Army Airfield in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. She was stationed in Savannah, GA; Pusan, South Korea; and Fort Ord in Seaside, CA. She served until 1978 attaining the rank of Sergeant. Using the G. I. Bill, she then did fifth year studies in Economics at Sonoma State University in Petaluma, CA, 1978-79. A resort called Fifes in Guerneville, CA beckoned her to train as a sous chef (1979-1982), a period of time she often referred to as her glory days. Family tragedy called her back to Connecticut and more restaurant kitchens (1982-1986) which then expanded to several hotel department management positions in Cape Cod, MA (1986-1989) and in Santa Fe, NM (1989-2013). She often said she was born to multi-task. The years in Santa Fe revealed Linda's real passions: house renovation, repair and design; and landscape gardening and design. Retirement brought this country gal to Boulder, CO (2013-2015) and when that didn't work, to Tucumcari, NM where she found and bought the cutest little house, and best of all, it was already renovated and perfect! Following her wishes, Linda's remains have been cremated. There will be a private gathering to celebrate her life. Dunn Funeral Home of Tucumcari, NM is entrusted with arrangements.