RENTERIA, Hermelinda (Linda)

Indian School Mortuary, Scottsdale, Arizona Hermelinda "Linda" Renteria, 95, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on September 10, 2010. She was born in Valparaiso, Zacatecaz, Mexico on October 9, 1914. Her family settled in Topeka, Kansas when she was a little girl. Later, as a young woman, Hermelinda moved to the Washingon, D.C. area, where she began work primarily as a translator for the U.S. government. In a short time, Linda advanced her career and worked within the Defense Intelligence Agency. Through her work, Linda lived around the world including Vietnam, Spain, Central and South America. Linda was involved in several assignments for President Richard Nixon and had the exciting experience of flying on Air Force One. During her tour of duty in Vietnam, she briefed high ranking officers on a daily basis. Her ability to speak fluent Spanish granted her an official assignment to the King and Queen of Spain where she was an honored guest at their palace. After retirement in 1979, she relocated to Scottsdale where she enjoyed spending time in her garden and on various sewing projects. She loved to entertain friends in her home and from time to time would serve up her incredible paella dish! Linda also loved sharing her faith with her class of kindergarten children as a volunteer teacher in the religious education program at St. Maria Goretti Church. Linda was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters and her devoted and loving only daughter, Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Heath. Hermelinda is survived by one sister, Hermenia "Minnie" Renteria of Topeka, Kansas and two grandchildren, Lynn Weddle (Kenn Goodman) of Chicago and Paul Weddle of Glendale, and one great granddaughter, Lily Goodman. She was the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.