Linda Marie Bradley

Linda Marie Bradley died unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona.  She was 49 years old.  Linda was born on a Thursday, January 4, 1968, in Seattle, King County, Washington to her mother, Linda Nordstrom and father, Gerald Amato.  Along with her mother, she was reared by Joe Cavanaugh, and he loved her as his own child.When she was still a very young girl, she moved to Arizona with her family.  She was a member of Snowflake High School's Class of 1986.  After she graduated high school, she moved to the Valley and attended Mesa Community College in Mesa, where she received her Associate's Degree.  Shortly following her graduation from MCC, Linda worked for a short time as an accountant for the Circle-K Corporation.  She was an extremely intelligent woman and possessed a sharp mind for business.  After her time with the Circle-K Corporation, Linda went to work as the Assistant to the Director, who was specifically the comptroller, for America West Airlines, headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.  She took upon herself a huge responsibility and shouldered much of the comptroller's duties herself.  She thrived throughout her tenure with the airline and many valued her incredible work ethic.  In 2000, Linda began a new chapter in her life when she received her real estate license.  She worked as an agent for Forest Properties in the White Mountains and, many in the area relied upon her expertise in selling and buying their homes.  She was an integral member of the Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce and received awards for her dedication to excellence in all that she did.  Linda was a woman who was very talented and gifted in many regards.  While in high school, she played the saxophone, clarinet and flute and went to All State representing her school because of her gifts.  She loved singing and as an accomplished vocalist, she performed at countless special occasions for others including: weddings, receptions and funerals; always bringing her special touch of class to the events.  In her younger years, during the 1990s, Linda had the privilege to join Diana Ross as part of the Half-Time Show of the Super Bowl in Phoenix.  In that show, she performed as one of Ms. Ross' back-up singers and was one of her dancers.  Linda was even asked to go in to the recording studios to record several songs with Diana Ross.  Because of her beautiful voice, she was offered a recording contract as well as other advanced positions with other companies but, because of her dedication to her boys, she politely turned them down so she could focus on her family and help her sons grow into responsible strong young men.  She considered motherhood to be her highest calling in life and loved her boys so very much.   It has been said of Linda that she taught her sons what it means to serve others with an unmeasurable level of unconditional love.  Linda was an instrumental member of the Arts Alliance of the White Mountains and helped to make it the success that it is.   Linda also worked for a time as one of the producers of the Miss Arizona Pageant.  She loved the opportunity to help organize such an event in helping countless of the young ladies fulfill their life's dreams.    When she wasn't busy working, Linda enjoyed working with her hands doing many crafts.  She loved "putting things together."  She loved a good session in recording studios throughout her life.  Her warm and gentle smile were always a welcomed sight for those who would come to visit the several historic homes in the Snowflake/Taylor area as their tour guide.  One thing that Linda would want others to know is that she had a deep and abiding love for, and possessed a fervent testimony of, the Savior Jesus Christ.  He was The Great Comforter throughout her life and brought her much peace and consolation; especially during the two years since her massive stroke.  She loved Him and always looked forward to attending church and participating in Temple services.  While in her worship services, she regularly renewed her covenants by always remembering Him and strived to keep His commandments.  She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various church callings over the years.  Many will miss the sweet ray of sunshine she brought into the lives of so many; those she considered to be her true friends.  However, none will miss her more than her own dear family.          Linda is survived by her forever sweetheart of 14 years, David A. Peterson of Snowflake, Arizona; 2 sons:  John Tyler "JT" Bradley of Lewiston, Idaho, Frank Curtis Bradley of Mesa, Arizona and their father, Curtis Bradley; mother and step-father:  Linda (Don) Pettijean of Crawford, Tennessee; her brothers and sisters:  Gerald "Jerry" (Sandy) Amato of Wichita, Kansas, Laura (Dean) Lautenschlager of Lewiston, ID, Jane "Abby" (Al) Wittenmeier of Beach Grove, TN, Debbi (Michael) Amato Giaramita of Staten Island, NY, Geri Amato Damone of Fountain Hills, AZ, JoJo (Tony) Cavanaugh Collison of Aniston, AL, Sarah Elizabeth (Brian) Nelson of Smyrna, TN, Colleen (Steven) Whittaker of CO, Jeff Amato and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.The public visitation, viewing and friends calling will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, October 13, 2017, at the Centennial Stake Center (formerly known as the Snowflake Stake Center) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 200 W. 9th South in Snowflake, Arizona and an hour prior to services. The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Saturday with a viewing that will start at 9:00 A.M. October 14, 2017, at the Centennial Stake Center. The concluding service and interment will begin 2:00 P.M. that afternoon, at the Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside, Arizona. A special memorial fund has been established at National Bank of Arizona, account #5793288241, checks may be payable to Special Memorial Fund, for those who'd like to  send a memorial contribution.  Linda's family is thankful for all of the expressions of sympathy they have received during this difficult season and are especially grateful for the prayers offered up in their behalf.  May you all be blessed for your kindness and selfless acts of love.