Linda Michelle Pike

Linda Michelle Pike, 66, of Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully on July 11th, 2026, after a long illness. 

Linda was born on October 31st, 1959, in Cortland, NY to Yvonne and George Francis. She had a happy childhood in Cortland and graduated from high school there, but when it was time for college, she chose the University of Arizona. She fell in love with the western city and remained there for most of her life. Linda worked for the University’s athletic department for many years eventually becoming a Senior Business Manager at the Office of Economic Development. Linda was also the first Wilma Wildcat.

Linda’s love of Tucson and the beautiful Sonoran Desert rubbed off on her family. Her brother, Stephen, also graduated from the University of Arizona, and when their mother, Yvonne, retired from her teaching career in Cortland, NY, she moved to Tucson as well.

In midlife, Linda met and fell in love with Ray Pike, sharing many interests and their love of the desert. Although they eventually divorced, Linda and Ray remained good friends. He predeceased Linda. 

Linda’s made many friends in Tucson, and they remember her as an endlessly cheerful woman, with a wry sense of humor and a love of reading. She was unique! Linda’s personality was never dampened, despite her lifelong fight with Type One Diabetes and with MS in her final years. Despite the last few years of disability, Linda never lost her dearest friendships and her love of her family. Her closest friends, Marie and Gary Teal, kept in close touch. Linda lost both parents in the last nine years, and had many keepsakes nearby to always remember them.

Linda would want to thank the medical personnel and caregivers who helped her in her last months. Her brother Stephen and sister-in-law Paula will be eternally grateful for the care Linda received at Northwest Medical Center ICU, and Hospice of The West. The nurses were especially empathetic, and were clearly moved by Linda’s essential lovability.

A Memorial Service will be held on July 29th at 1:00 PM at Sensible Funerals & Cremation, 109 W. Grant Road in Tucson.

Linda’s wishes were to be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.