Dr. Linda Sue King Ph.D.

Dr. Linda Sue King, Ph.D., of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at the age of 73 years old. She was born on February 27, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas, to Reba O. King and John P. King of McAllen, Texas.

Linda Sue was a lifelong learner and educator. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Trinity University in San Antonio in 1973, majoring in Biology and Physical Education. She went on to receive her Master of Science degree in Community and Health Education from the University of New Mexico in 1975, and later earned her Ph.D. in School and Community Health Education from Texas Woman’s University in 1980.

Linda Sue devoted much of her professional life to academia, teaching at the University of New Mexico, Bemidji State University, Towson State University, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. After many years in higher education, she transitioned into a successful consulting career in Total Quality Management within the manufacturing sector. In her later years in Santa Fe, she found fulfillment in property management, often referring to herself with humor as a “recovering academic.”

She is survived by her beloved spouse of many years, Dr. Susan O. Mercer; her sister, Mary Beth King Devine; and her nephews, Michael Tracy Devine III and Brian King Devine, all of McAllen, Texas. She is also survived by numerous cousins in the South Texas Valley, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Linda Sue lived life with curiosity, discipline, and joy. Her passions included traveling, fly fishing, and the game of bridge. She took great pride in completing two marathons and two half-marathons—achievements she spoke of often and with well-earned satisfaction. Though she claimed she discovered bridge later in life than she would have liked, she embraced it wholeheartedly, believing it would keep her mind sharp for years to come. Her love of travel was deeply connected to her appreciation for fine food and wine, and she found particular peace in fly fishing, endlessly pursuing the perfect cast and the perfectly tied fly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Española Animal Shelter, Pagosa Springs Humane Society, or the animal shelter of one’s choice, honoring Linda Sue’s compassion and love for animals.