Linda Sue Burke

Linda Sue Burke, of Tekoa, died on September 16, 2021. Born in Colfax on April 19, 1950, to Pete and Marge Smith, Linda grew up among the wheatfields near Ewan with her brother, Ken.

Going by the moniker "Lil Pete," she enjoyed ice-skating on the family pond and generally raising hell on her Honda trail bike. The Smith family and their home-built fishing barge were frequent adventurers on Rock Lake. Linda graduated from St John High School in 1968.

Linda married Harold Burke in 1971. She had two children, Jason and Laurie. The family moved to Tekoa where she was a fervent supporter of Whitman County sports. Dressed as a clown Linda was a common participant in local parades around Whitman County. She never missed her son's football games or her daughter's basketball games. Linda had a soft spot for all animals and would never turn away a stray. She never turned away a child in need of a place to stay, either. Linda loved Gonzaga Basketball.

Linda had four grandchildren, Alex and Nikki Overton, Constance Heim, and Fox Burke. Linda's heart was broken to be preceded in death by her granddaughter, Nikki. Linda is survived by her brother Ken, her children, Jason and Laurie, and grandchildren Alex, Constance, and Fox.

A service will be held in April when the family can assemble. In place of flowers or cards, please consider donating to a pet rescue charity.