Linda Mitchell Davis passed away at sunrise, on February 18th, 2024, in her home on the CS Ranch. Born July 11, 1930, the only daughter of Albert Knell Mitchell and Julia Sundt Mitchell, she was raised in Harding County, NM on the Tequesquite and Bell Ranches.
During her childhood, Linda Elizabeth Mitchell endured many challenges. A child born of the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, WWII, and the devastating losses of her mother, 2 brothers, and her grandparents. From these hard lessons, Linda grew up to value family, community, land, and livestock. She was always happiest on the back of a good sorrel horse working Hereford cattle.
After studying at Cornell University, Linda married Les Davis in 1953 and moved to the CS Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Throughout their lives together, Les credited Linda as the heart and soul of the family operation. “She gets things done,” he once said, ” When she arrived at the ranch with her gear, the CS turned for the better.” Together, they raised their 6 children who grew up working on the ranch, learning to respect and love all that comes with ranching life. Her family remained a source of pride, joy, and gratitude throughout her life.
Linda found tremendous support from her extended CS family; Jiggs Porter, Cale and Mildred Wheatley, Annie Sanchez, Margret Sanchez, and John Gonzales, to name just a few. Their children, spouses, and other good hands were equally respected and valued by Linda.
Linda, an exceptional stockwomen, was honored by numerous agricultural and cattle associations, including being awarded New Mexico Cattleman of the Year (1990); National Golden Spur Award (1992); Woman of the Year in Service to Southwest Agriculture (1993). In 1995 she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas, and in 2000 she was inducted, along with her husband Les, into the Hall of Great Westerners. She was also the first representative from New Mexico on the National Beef Board. Linda’s license plate for the last 30 years, “MRS BEEF” – says it all. It was a title she delighted in displaying wherever she went.
Linda’s interests and enthusiasm ranged far beyond the agricultural realm. A connoisseur of Western art and literature, Linda served for decades on the board of The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, which honored her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. Always interested in medicine, she served on the board of Miners Colfax Medical Center in Raton, NM, and at the age of 70, she became an EMT and was a devoted member of the Cimarron Volunteer Ambulance for well over a decade and the crew became a second family to her. Along with community service, Linda was dedicated to the improvement and growth of educational institutions in New Mexico. She served on the Boards of the Highland University Foundation and New Mexico State University Foundation.
Linda is survived by her six children and spouses- Warren and Mary Davis, Julia and David Stafford, Randy Davis, Kirk and Priscilla Davis, Bruce and Trina Davis, and Kimberly Barmann; eight grandchildren and spouses – Ryan Davis, Christian Davis, Walter and Amy Davis, Sara, and Ross Perschbacher, Ben and Rachel Davis, John Davis, Leslie and Brandon Blakney and Kelly Barmann; and nine great-grandchildren. Also, her beloved nieces and nephews; Scooter and Jeanette Mitchell, Tom and Karen Mitchell, Terry Mitchell, and Lyn & Billy Ray and their children and grandchildren.
Linda deeply appreciated every card, flower arrangement, and visit she received. Her family thanks all who have reached out to console and comfort them during this time and treasure the stories and memories that have been shared. We are grateful to the staff of the Miners Colfax Medical Center who cared for Linda and Robin Pilley, a gifted Hospice nurse.
Linda’s memorial service will be held at the CS Headquarters later this spring when the weather is warm and the grass is green, with date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Friends of Cimarron Volunteer Ambulance in honor and memory of Linda Mitchell Davis.
To the family of Linda Mitchell Davis:
I got acquainted with Linda, eg, your mom/”grandmom” through my role with Cornell University. Around Thanksgiving time of 2000, we were visiting our daughter, who lived in Los Alamos. During that time I was serving as Director of Alumni Relations for the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Cornell. Since we had a free day on Friday, I called and introduced myself, told her where we were and why, and asked if we might drive over and say hello, and visit the ranch. She said “Indeed, and would we come for lunch?”
Which, of course, we did. Our group included our other daughter, our son and daughter-in-law, and myself. My wife and NM daughter did not attend. We had a great visit
I later saw your mom when she visited Cornell for Reunion weekend, probably for her 50th Class Reunion in 2003, and perhaps again in 2013 for her 60th. Interestingly, it will be our 60th this year. It was a pleasure to know her. She was an accomplished “doer”! We send our condolences on your loss.
Linda Davis will be greatly missed . My Mom’s side of the family , Cardenas , all cowboyed for the CS. She was a wonderful person . She treated everyone with respect.
My deepest condolences to the Davis family for the loss of Mrs. Linda Davis. She sat on the Miners Hospital Board with my brother Leroy. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to meet Mrs Davis. She will be sadly missed.
Linda was truly a woman to match our mountains. Strong, intelligent, warm and friendly.
I remember her fondly when I worked at Crowe’s.
My sincere sympathy to you all in her family and close friends.
Cheryl Gay Gatti