Linda Lignell Stark

Linda Cheri Lignell Stark, 76, passed peacefully on March 23, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah - the place she called home for most of her life. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1949, Linda brought a bold spirit that would shape a life defined not just by what she did, but by who she was.
Who was Linda, and what was this bold spirit? People described Linda as independent, sharp, driven, talented, and unapologetically herself. She truly loved people and had a gift for connection that made others feel seen, heard, and often amused. She was intelligent and assertive in the best sense of the word, which served her well in her career as a legal secretary and later as a sales representative for a food brokerage. She was proud that in her working career, she "could do the work of a man with heels on."
Throughout her life, others described her as "one of the hardest-working people they knew." In the same hard-working spirit, she raised her daughter as a single parent, built a garage, transformed her HUD home into her dream home, and helped so many others navigate their own challenges.
Linda's curiosity and interests also defined her. Linda loved a broad range of musical styles; she saw Janis Joplin, the Doors, the Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Police, and Bob Dylan. She also saw Dave Brubeck, Toots and the Matals and Fishbone. She also loved all iterations of dance and the Olympic Games and celebrated the excellence of others. She often researched eclectic topics and pursued them fully. She became fascinated with Forrest Fenn's treasure, coins, rock climbing, mountains, and baseball cards—always learning, always asking, endlessly exploring.
Sometimes her curiosity led her to creative pursuits that reflected both her focus and her artistry: skiing, gardening, golfing, cooking and baking, and beadwork. Other times, it led her to causes she felt called to defend.
Her love for animals lasted her entire life—and they loved her back. She was a horse whisperer, a rescue advocate, and someone who helped many pets, dogs, and cats find homes, often opening her own home to them as well.
Until her death, Linda was a dedicated supporter of the Standing Rock water protectors, proudly becoming known as a "keyboard warrior" for the cause. One friend described her as a "protector of the protectors," a phrase that captures the heart of who she was: someone who showed up, spoke out, and worked to protect the Standing Rock Reservation and Indigenous communities.
An obituary does not begin to scratch the surface of who Linda was. Her impact was wide-reaching. Her connection, compassion, protectiveness, and passion were constants, and her energy and curiosity were remarkable. She had a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life, building a network of friendships that reflected the many qualities that described her.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Cheri Stark (Alan R. Cordova); her brother, Kenneth Lignell (Cindi Lignell); her nephews, David Lignell, Scott Lignell, and Jonathan Lignell; her niece, Julianne Nelson; and her dear friend and neighbors, Anne and Gordon Black, as well as their family, who loved and cared for her for decades. She is also survived by a wide and devoted circle of friends and chosen family whose lives are better for having known her.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruby J. Lignell, and her father, Kearner Lignell. She is also preceded in death by her partner, Michael L. Pickens.
Linda lived boldly, loved deeply, and left a lasting mark on the world around her. We are grateful she is no longer in pain, and we find comfort in imagining her reunited with her mother and her partner, Michael, as well as her furry family members who have gone on before her.
Linda's wishes were to be cremated. In addition to having her remains scattered in some of her favorite places, a celebration of life will be held later this year, with details to be shared with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, Linda would have loved for you to honor her by making a donation to Water Protector Legal (www.waterprotectorlegal.org) or the Native American Rights Funds (narf.org/cases/bears-ears)