Linda Lou Destromp, a woman known for her unwavering positivity and love for her family, is now in the arms of her Lord, Jesus Christ.   

Linda passed away at home on June 29, 2024, at the age of 76. She was born on February 21, 1948, in Harvey, Illinois, but most recently resided in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Linda's parents were, Floyd & Wilda Otis, and she had two older siblings, Fred & Pauletta.  

Her first home was in Riverdale, Illinois where her family owned and operated a men's formal clothing store (in two locations). In 1954, when she was 7 years old, her entire family closed stores and moved to Greeley, Colorado, because on one of their many family vacations her father fell in love with the location. Otis Bros. Men's Wear store did very well and was a staple in the community for many years.

Linda attended Maplewood Elementary and Heath Junior High. She did very well throughout school & received straight A's in every class....except penmanship. She graduated June 2, 1966, from Greeley Central High School where she was active in the French Club, the Girls Athletic Association, the Pep Club, the School Choir, the School Band (where she played the flute), and the National Forensic League (which was the national honor society for Debate & Speech).

Linda knew exactly what she was passionate about from a young age. She turned her love for food & fascination in health into a remarkable career as a dietician. She obtained a bachelor's degree in "Nutrition & Food Science" at Colorado State University & her Master's Degree at Minnesota State University. In addition, she held certifications as a Registered Dietician & Diabetes Educator.  

She began her career serving as a member of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service in New York City before accepting a job that would take her all the way to the Navajo Reservation. There, she worked for the Indian Health Service in Fort Defiance, Arizona, as well as the Navajo Nation Women, Infant, Children Program (aka W.I.C). In 1985 she worked at several hospitals, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the head dietician overseeing all the patients dietary needs. She voluntarily taught nutrition classes to empower women to feel better and achieve their weight loss goals in the Albuquerque area. She served as President of the New Mexico Dietetics Association for a period and at her last job she won Diabetes Educator of the Year.

While working on the Navajo Reservation Linda met James "Mo" Christensen. From their initial meeting, Mo was interested, however Linda was not. His first words to her, were the pickup line, "Honey, where have you been all my life"? To which she responded, "Well half of it, I wasn't even born yet", as he was noticeably older (by 12 years).

On April 10th, 1976, Linda married James "Mo" Christensen in Fort Defiance, Arizona. They had one child, a daughter, Jamie Lou, on September 4th, 1977. Together they lived in the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) housing area in Window Rock, Arizona until Mo Christensen tragically passed away on February 14th, 1985, at the age of 48.

That summer in 1985, Linda & Jamie moved to Albuquerque, NM. A year later in the summer of 1986, Linda met David H. Destromp while he was washing his truck two doors down from her townhouse in Albuquerque, NM. After a year of dating, they became engaged on Thanksgiving 1987 and married on March 26th, 1988. Linda & Dave subsequently blended their families as Dave, a widower, had two adult children, David Destromp Jr. & Joanne Morrison (who was living in Massachusetts with her daughter Holly).

Family meant everything to Linda, and she held them close to her heart. She found solace and comfort being at home, but also had a deep appreciation for nature, finding peace and tranquility at their cabin, named "Elkondo", in the Jemez Mountains. She was passionate about music & had a life long love of poetry. She was an avid reader who read the Bible daily and had a particular fondness for biographies, historical accounts, and the latest health findings.

Sitting down for more than an hour or two did not come easily to Linda as she preferred to be busy moving and often felt guilty just relaxing. Therefore, she didn't really enjoy watching TV or movies until the last ten years of her life. Her preference leaned towards light-hearted entertainment which would make her laugh or happy. Binge-watching movies, musicals and TV with her daughter, Jamie, became a cherished ritual. Together, they'd laugh, cry, and debate the intricacies of countless plotlines.

Linda for the most part always ate a very healthy diet. HOWEVER, her entire life, Linda always had a sweet tooth. She indulged in chocolate, caramel & cookie dough ice cream, preferably all together. She was always passionate about food & loved cooking and baking. She enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen & didn't like sticking to recipes. The outcomes were generally favorable.

Linda leaves behind her husband of 35 years, Dave Destromp Sr., her daughter Jamie Lou Nez & her husband Chris Nez & granddaughter Nalani Lou Nez. Linda gained through marriage, a son, David Destromp Jr. & his wife Sherry Destromp; a daughter Joanne Morrison & her husband Steve Morrison Sr. & grandchildren & their spouses, Holly & Andrew Cook, Alicia & Aaron Graves, Steve & Miranda Morrison & 8 great-grandchildren through marriage Colton Cook, Archer Cook, Wesson Cook, Adeline Graves, Ava Graves, Noah Morrison, Grace Morrison & Nathaniel Morrison.

She was preceded in death by her parents Floyd & Wilda (Hockom) Otis & her first husband James "Mo" Christensen.

Linda had a profound faith in God and lived by many mottos including, "With God ALL things are possible" and "Why worry when you can pray?". She had many favorite Bible verses & for many years sang in the church choir. She taught children's church & was the director for numerous children's plays when her daughter, Jamie, was young. She always believed in the power of prayer and found strength, comfort & hope in her spiritual connection.  

Linda Lou Destromp is fondly remembered and deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. We celebrate the extraordinary life she led and her lasting legacy of positivity, resilience, and unwavering faith. Her smile, laughter, and love will forever remain in our hearts.

Memorial Contributions in lieu of flowers, may be made to CancerCare or the American Cancer Society.

✅EVENT INFORMATION

Linda Destromp's "Celebration of Life" will be held...

DATE: Saturday, August 17th, 2024

TIME: 11am

LOCATION: First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho

ADDRESS: 3906 19th Ave SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124