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Linda Kitchen Obituary
61, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on March 22, 2014. Linda embraced life in a way few could, and family members all considered it normal behavior until collaborating for this obituary. As one-half of the infamous "Twister Sisters", she spent some of her most exciting times chasing tornadoes, giving interviews to the weather channel, and her passion for storms provided great contributions to the study of severe weather. She was the only woman that could manage her makeup applications seated in a sink. She was the Steve Irwin of bed bug hunting. She experienced the thrill of not just swimming with dolphins, but communicating with them too. She enjoyed skydiving well into her later years, and trick-riding her quarter-horses in her earlier ones. She was perhaps the greatest second-hand shopper in the state that would unknowingly purchase her own donated clothes back from shops. She was the Mom who would wait up until 3:00am to ensure her middle-aged kids would all arrive home safely from evenings out. She would keep a box of Kleenex nearby while watching the Westminster Kennel Show. Linda enjoyed traveling, old movies, animals, winning at the casino, genealogy, singing in the car, rainy days, chocolate, and happy hour. She was adventurous, kind, smart, passionate, funny, and generous. Linda is survived by her beloved high school sweetheart and husband of over 43 years, Michael, her oldest son Michael Jr, youngest son Christopher, and daughter Melody, daughters-in-law Joyce and Jennifer, future son-in-law Brad, eight grandchildren Byron, Sophie, Henry, Amelia, Claire, Addie, and two yet un-named, her brother Bill and two sisters Dixie and Sheryl, childhood best friend Kathy, and friends and family too many to name. "Don't judge a book by its cover" she used to say; her story would fill a thousand pages. Her life will be remembered every day by those who knew her. Linda's life could have been longer in years but never in quality. Services will be held on April 4th at 11:00 am at St. Maria Goretti, 6261 North Granite Reef Road, in Scottsdale.
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Memories and Condolences
for Linda Kitchen
Sponsored by anonymous.
Shassy Blanton
December 12, 2016
I miss you so very much my best friend..
I am only waiting now. Hope to see you soon..save a swing..
Love you mom
Melody Kitchen
April 27, 2014
Laura Duchesne
April 25, 2014
It was a pleasure meeting you and you will be missed. I won't forget you when I am under the meso.
Melody Kitchen
April 8, 2014
I love you and miss you
Joe Kelly
April 4, 2014
We were saddened to hear the news of Linda's passing. Very wonderful lady, wife, mother, and grandmother. She obviously experienced a lot in life and was and is well loved by many, near and far. She'll be looking down now to see her tornadoes and her beautiful family grow and prosper. Joe and Penny Kelly and family
Charmaine Berggreen
April 3, 2014
Linda was always smiling and happy & had a fun loving perspective on life. Her enthusiasm & spirit will be missed.
Patrick Kerrin
April 2, 2014
Deepest condolences to Linda's family and friends. She shared her joy and love of family, friends, storms, dogs, music and so much more! The mark made on many lives will live on, and we will remember the passion and laughter she brought.
April 1, 2014
Deepest condolences to Linda's family and friends. She shared her joy and love of family, friends, storms, dogs, music and so much more! The mark made on many lives will live on, and we will remember the passion and laughter she brought.
Chuck Fallis
April 1, 2014
There's a hole in my heart that you always filled with your love, laughter, great hugs, and wonderful smile. I was always more excited about seeing you and Kathy than about the chase itself. I'll always cherish the memory of eating dinner with you and Kathy after a long day on the Plains, Please be with us on our chases this spring and help us through the storms--including the one we're in now. I'll always love you and miss you.
Kolja Gabriel
April 1, 2014
Linda was a great person. When I stayed with her family as an exchange student I directly felt at home. It was always fun when the family came together for instance when we sang funny songs as "Grandma got run over by a reindeer". My family and I will miss her a lot. Our thoughts are with Mike and the family.
Val and Jerry Trickel
March 31, 2014
Linda always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye for her next adventure. She will truly be missed, but it all seems too soon. May God be with all of you and offer His special peace to surround you in the days to come.
March 31, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Linda's family. They are also with my best friend, Kathy Velasquez, and her family as I know how much they all loved the Kitchen family. Linda is at peace now and she can watch all the storms from heaven with the other angels. I was blessed to have met Linda and Mike at Kathy's house and will always remember how nice they were to me and interesting to talk with. May God bless all of you. Rita Rohling, San Diego
Sandra Jeffries (Goettl)
March 31, 2014
Cousin you will be missed. We didn't see each other
much as adults but our times together as kids are among mine and my subs fondest memories. Storm chaser huh...always knew the Goettls had an adventure streak in them.
Vanessa Coleman
March 31, 2014
My sincere condolences to Linda's family and friends she had all over the world.
Linda Short
March 31, 2014
A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL IN HEAVEN
Linda Short
March 31, 2014
Rest in Peace Linda. You did a wonderful job
Wes Carter
March 30, 2014
My condolences to family and friends.
Dick Jonovich
March 30, 2014
Karen and I miss her already. She was a beautiful lady and Karen was always talking about her and the things they did as children especially at the cabin.
Miriam Lee
March 30, 2014
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your family.
March 30, 2014
Chris, we were so sorry to hear about your mom - she sounds like such a wonderful person. We send our very deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Ginger and Ray Sillari
Jeffrey Spencer
March 30, 2014
We can only hope to live half the life she did. R.I.P. Linda.
Hadlee Jackson
March 30, 2014
Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in Heaven's floor to allow the light of our loved ones to shine down up on us, to remind us they are happy in the Lord's hands and are always watching over us.
When you see a twinkling star in the night sky, Linda will be waving to you all from above.
I will always carry Linda in my heart.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Christy Troutman
March 30, 2014
I have so many wonderful memories of the entire Kitchen family and especially Linda. I can still hear her voice saying "Melly! Mikey! Chris!" as clear as day. She has so much love for Mike and the kids and it radiated off of her. Always smiling. Always laughing. Always amazing. One of my most vivid memories is being in the car with her and Melody while they sang and danced to "Love Shack" by the B-52's. Hey, even the most perfect person can have terrible taste in music :). Whether it was swimming and playing with the kids at the house on Jackrabbit, boogie boarding in San Diego or watching 4th of July fireworks at the house on Camelback, I always felt like I was a part of the family and that was because of Linda. Linda had infectious positive energy that just made you want to be around her. The love and commitment that she and Mike share is such an inspiration to me and their connection is something so rare and beautiful. She was such an amazingly unique woman with a heart of gold and a passion for life and family. I truly feel privileged to have so many memories of Linda and to have the Kitchen family be such a huge part of my youth. You will be so missed Linda. You will also be forever loved.
Chuck Doswell
March 30, 2014
I first met Linda (and Kathy) during a storm chase many years past. We always enjoyed meeting Linda and Kathy under a storm, or in a restaurant after a chase. Linda shed so much warm light on everyone around her, always upbeat and excited about what she was doing. We will always miss Linda, but were blessed for having come to know her. My sincere condolences to her close friends and family.
Sheryl Blanton
March 30, 2014
Linda
You were my sister and best friend always. I couldn't wait to call everyday. When we see each other again at the gates of heaven, I'll look up and see your beautiful face and your wonderful smile, we will embrace, and you will grab my hand and say, boy Shassy hold on to your hat I've got a lot to share. I miss and love you, Linny.
March 30, 2014
My deepest condolences to Linda's family. She was a passionate hunter will will surely B missed on the Alley floor.
David Saurer
March 30, 2014
A passionate storm chaser and a wonderful gift to the photography world. We've lost a great one. God Bless as you chase in the heavens. Be our beacon and be our guider with the Lord by your side. We will sorely miss you, til we meet in Heaven.
Greg Stumpf
March 30, 2014
I first met Linda about 10 years ago and we chased storms in tandem for a few days with Kathy. I'm going to miss Linda out on the Plains. The winds will always whisper her name.
Michael Laca
March 30, 2014
Linda was such an amazing chaser and an inspiring individual. I'm so glad I got to meet and chase with her and Kathy in 2008. They are memories I will cherish forever. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Steve Polley
March 30, 2014
Linda,
You always made a point to say hi while on the open plains...You always took time for others.
You will be greatly missed
Kevin Short
March 30, 2014
You will be missed but never forgotten.
Karla Dorman
March 30, 2014
I never met Linda face to face, but she was a special Facebook friend of mine. I will miss her interaction. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Linda has the best seat in the house to watch storms now.
Brian Stertz
March 30, 2014
Cetainly Linda will be missed greatly on the chase trail, and more importantly by those that loved her. She was a great person, and passionate storm chaser.
Tim Marshall
March 30, 2014
Linda had a passion for storm chasing. She attended the storm chaser picnic at my house back in the 90's and occasionally we met out in the field "under the wall cloud". I will miss her out on the plains.
Steve Watkins
March 30, 2014
Many hearts are filled with sorrow now and you will always be remembered........
Christy Troutman
March 30, 2014
I have so many wonderful memories of the entire Kitchen family and especially Linda. I can still hear her voice saying "Melly! Mikey! Chris!" as clear as day. She has so much love for Mike and the kids and it radiated off of her. Always smiling. Always laughing. Always amazing. One of my most vivid memories is being in the car with her and Melody while they sang and danced to "Love Shack" by the B-52's. Hey, even the most perfect person can have terrible taste in music :). Whether it was swimming and playing with the kids at the house on Jackrabbit, boogie boarding in San Diego or watching 4th of July fireworks at the house on Camelback, I always felt like I was a part of the family and that was because of Linda. Linda had infectious positive energy that just made you want to be around her. The love and commitment that she and Mike share is such an inspiration to me and their connection is something so rare and beautiful. She was such an amazingly unique woman with a heart of gold and a passion for life and family. I truly feel privileged to have so many memories of Linda and to have the Kitchen family be such a huge part of my youth. You will be so missed Linda. You will also be forever loved.
Donna McTyre-Beck
March 30, 2014
A beautiful soul who will be missed by many.
Phyllis Phillips
March 30, 2014
I was related to Linda (discovered thru both of our genealogy studies) and met her only once when she and Kathy came to see me while in Kansas storm-chasing. I treasure that visit and her personality. What a delightful lady! We should all be so full of life and vigor!
Joyce Miller
March 30, 2014
My heart and prayers go out to Linda's family. She was a very special cousin to me and we had great memories growing up together.
nsk
March 30, 2014
What a wonderful tribute to this special lady. Full of LIFE and LOVE...GRACE and BEAUTY.
Linda Lanzarotta
March 30, 2014
Linda I knew you only as a little girl and had the privilege of your parents naming you after me. My family moved from Arizona to Alabama a few years later and I proudly told everyone how wonderful you were and what a privilege it was to know you. You were beautiful and so sweet. You will always be in my heart and loved very much. Love to your husband, children and your sweet sisters. Fly with the angels.
Melody Kitchen
March 30, 2014
I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart... I love you more than words can say and will miss you all of my day- your peanut nose face girl
Melody Kitchen
March 30, 2014
The love and memories I have shared with you will remain with me till I meet you again... I love you- your peanut nose faced girl
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