Linda Reiko Adkinson (Yamauchi) of Kennewick, WA passed away on March 30, 2024 at the age of 82.

Linda was born on June 12th, 1941 in Pasco, Wa to Charles and Chieko Yamauchi. After WWII, the family also lived in Spokane, Wa. for a period of time before permanently relocating back to Pasco. In those early years, she was blessed to form close friendships with first cousins and other relatives that lasted her lifetime. In her youth, favorite activities included tennis, swimming, and playing the piano. The oldest of four children, Linda attended Pasco High School and forevermore was a proud Bulldog, class of '59.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Linda was named Miss Pasco and Queen of the Water Follies pageant. She then attended Columbia Basin College and worked at the telephone company before meeting and marrying Clyde Adkinson in 1961. The couple made Kennewick their home and raised two children, Daniel Adkinson and Rebecca Hagopian (Adkinson). In those years, Linda focused on being a wonderful wife, mother and engaged community member.

After seeing their children graduate from college and marry, Linda and Clyde could often be found steelhead fishing on the Columbia River together, reading a good book, or watching their favorite baseball team, the Seattle Mariners. As the years rolled by, Linda and Clyde personified patriotism through and through. That quality led them on journeys retracing the Lewis and Clark Trail, visiting Washington DC, and exploring other American heritage sites.

Although she did not personally pursue travel abroad, Linda always strove to be knowledgeable about global events in places near and far. This lifelong, continuous learning trait was one of the many positive values she passed along to her children and extended family.

Linda's keen interest in history led her to study everything relatives had uncovered about the family roots which trace back to hill country in Japan. So, it came as no surprise that she eventually joined the Board of the Franklin County Historical Society in 2019 where her love of history could be combined with service to her community.

Raised in the Methodist church, Linda had the spirit of the Lord with her always. After Clyde passed away in 2017, she reconnected with her church community in Pasco where she enjoyed worshiping with friends.

In 2018, Linda affirmed her independence by moving to a new home in Kennewick. Although she already had good friends in the new neighborhood, she soon gained many more. The close-knit neighbors welcomed Linda into the fold, and all were absolutely wonderful. In 2020, she adopted a rescue dog named Fritz. Fritz soon became a much-loved companion, quickly rising to number-one-kid status.

Linda was predeceased by her husband, Clyde Adkinson, and brother Roger Yamauchi (Nem). In her immediate family, she is survived by her sister Susan (Larry) Butler, brother Bruce (Juli) Yamauchi, son Daniel (Christine) Adkinson, daughter Rebecca (Charles) Hagopian, grandchildren Paige and Sydney Adkinson, Niece; Amanda Butler, Nephews; Seth Butler, Simon Lau-Yamauchi, Nash and Nick Yamauchi, and many kind relatives in the region.

As a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Linda loved talking with family, friends, and visitors. With this theme in mind, the family is planning a Celebration of Remembrance service at the Kennewick First United Methodist Church on April 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at Mueller's Life Tributes Center located across the street. Food and refreshments will be served to accompany informal conversation and storytelling.

For those who wish to support Linda's interests, gifts may go directly to the Riverview United Methodist Church or The Franklin County Historical Society.