Obituary of Linda Kaye DeCastro

Linda Kaye Martin was born in Grand Island, NE on a Wednesday (06/17/1946) to humble beginnings. An unbreakable bond and love would grow for her sister Lana, her mother Arlene, and her grandmother Mamie, that would forever continue. Linda grew to be a strong, loving, beautiful and graceful woman. She was best known for always doing the right thing, her infectious laugh, and spending time looking for her lost keys, purse, or glasses.

Linda graduated from high school in Lodgepole, NE in 1964, and would become the first in her family to go to college. She attended Chadron State in 1964, and earned a BA in Education from Kearney State in 1967. She continued her academic endeavors, earning a MA in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona in 1978.

Teaching was a lifelong passion, where she left a lasting impact on both students and co-workers. Family members recall she was often approached by former students, thanking her for her time and dedication. She taught at Sutherland, NE in 1966 and 1967, Gothenburg, NE from 1968-1972, and San Manuel, AZ in 1972. But Linda would spend most of her career at her beloved Mammoth Elementary School (AZ) from 1977 until she retired in 2007.

It was at Chadron State she would meet her love, her life partner, and her husband, John DeCastro. They married on a Saturday (08/06/1966). They had two sons. John and Linda would create a life and home for their family, full of love, laughter, support, and accountability, for which their sons will forever be grateful.

Linda Kaye DeCastro passed in comfort, beside her husband of 57 years on a Sunday, Christmas Eve, 2023. Christmas Eve was a day she enjoyed delivering her famous Christmas cookies to loved ones, and a few lucky fire stations. She leaves a legacy of love, strength, grace, and support for all who knew her, and a void for those that loved her most.

Linda is survived by her husband John, sisters Lana (Denny) and Teena (Mike), brother Michael, children Chad (Shannon) and Brad (Molly), and her adored grandchildren Jaxyn, Rylee, Blake and Kendal.

The family would like to thank Villa de Hope for the care Linda received over her last two years, and a special thank you to Desera and Alana with Soulistic Hospice for the care and advocacy she received over her last months.

She was known affectionately as Linda, Mrs. DeCastro, Mom, and Mimi. Always so gracious with her time, love, and effort, she was very much loved, and will be sorely missed.