Obituary: Linda K. Lukash

Linda K. Lukash, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025 after a lengthy illness. She was 82 years old.

Linda was born on December 3, 1942 in Reno, Nevada, and spent her formative years in the scenic Scott Valley, growing up on Island Road near the Black Bridge in Etna, California. Known affectionately in the valley as “Butch,” she was a spirited and determined young woman who raised sheep through the FFA, and found her voice early as a published poet in high school.

A proud graduate of Etna High School, Class of 1960, Linda pursued higher education at UC Santa Barbara before following her calling into nursing. She completed her training at St. Luke’s School of Nursing, where she earned her R.N. and, more importantly, met the love of her life, Alex Lukash. The two were married in 1967 and celebrated 58 years of marriage in 2025.

Linda’s life was rich with love, laughter and purpose. She cherished her family above all and found joy in golf, word games and spirited games of cribbage. In her later years, she split her time between homes in the Bay Area and her cherished hometown of Etna, always staying close to the people and places she loved most.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Alex; her daughter Michelle Bell (Reg); her grandchildren Kyle and Lindsey; great-grandchildren Emily and Kyson; her sister, Myrna Hughes; and nephews Ronald and Ray Hughes.

Linda’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to Madrone Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Madrone Hospice at https://www.madronehospice.org/support.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Etna Cemetery in Etna. Linda’s legacy of kindness, strength and love will live on in all who knew her.

sourced- Girdner Funeral Chapel