Obituary of Linda M. Christensen-Meikle

Born November 11th, 1953, Linda Marie Christensen-Meikle was the oldest of five children. At an early age her quick wit and thirst for knowledge brought her to the forefront as she excelled in any sport involving a ball, brownies and then girl scouts, and numerous church activities including dance, speech, music and drama. She had an uncanny ability in math and science, and served as yearbook editor and participated in Drill Team, Tennis, Track and Debate in her high school years. Linda received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, graduating cum laude and then continued on to receive her Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Utah. For a short time she worked in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she was a junior partner in a prominent law firm and then moved to Casper, Wyoming. She married Francis William Welsh and fulfilled her dream of becoming a mother when Christen Marie was born on September 28, 1982. The marriage dissolved and Linda entered the U.S. Navy in October 1983. Linda served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) for 20 years and won numerous accolades and honors during her prestigious career. She demanded fair and equal treatment for women and believed in equal opportunity for all. She earned the reputation of being an “attack lawyer” and prosecuted the unscrupulous actions of others. Linda championed the underdog and was sought out for her dedication to her profession and her belief in the legal system. Linda married Lynn Meikle on April 25th, 1995 and added his three sons, Tim, Trent, and Travis to the expanding family. She and Lynn were sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on August 8th, 1997. They have seven grand-children and they have filled their home and their life with love for each other and service to others. Linda loved to travel and she made it to every continent, making friends and enjoying the food and the people everywhere she went. Linda’s infectious laughter and fun sense of adventure drew friends to her throughout her life. Music and dancing were always a part of her life and she greatly enjoyed dancing of any kind, but especially her line dancing friends these last few years. “I can forget for a few minutes that I’m bald and have cancer. I’m just a girl who loves to dance”. Linda was an advocate for literacy and donated many hours with the Literacy Council of Kitsap. She worked with the American Cancer Society and Madigan Naval Hospital and served as a mentor, spokesperson and friend to many newly-diagnosed women. She spent countless hours searching and correcting genealogical records for many generations of her extended family and taught genealogical research techniques for many years. She served as a counselor, mentor and role model to women of all ages throughout her lifetime. Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the fall of 2001 and only given a year to live, Linda fought like a warrior and used her faith and courage to not only see Christen graduate from college, but also fulfill a mission. Linda was there the day Christen married Ryan Frei in the Seattle LDS temple and she was in the room as her first grand-daughter, Eveline Marie, came into the world on February 4th, 2009. She surpassed all the doctor’s expectations and knew she experienced a miracle. But the miracle wasn’t meant to last forever and on May 28th 2011, surrounded by the love of her family, she passed into the arms of a loving heavenly father. Viewing will be held on Thurs. June 2, from 5-8 p.m. at Curnow Funeral Home, 1410 Main St. Sumner. 863-2800. A funeral service will be held on Friday at Noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11212 17th Ave. E. Interment will take place on Tues. at Tahoma National Cemetery. Please sign the online guestbook at www.curnowfuneralhome.com