Linda Mitchell Davis (July 11, 1930 – February 18, 2024) was an American cowgirl and fourth-generation rancher, honored with induction into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in 1995. Born in Denver, Colorado, she was raised on the remote Tequesquite Ranch. After her mother’s death when she was four, her grandmother could not care for all three siblings, so Linda and her brother were sent to live with their father at the Bell Ranch. She was educated through the Calvert school system’s correspondence course in Baltimore, demonstrating an early love for reading and riding horses.
Davis attended Cornell University, majoring in Agricultural Economics, but returned home before completing her degree due to a family emergency. During her early years, she learned ranching from her father, working hard alongside him and her brother, especially during WWII when labor was scarce.
In 1953, she married Les Davis, and they ranched together at the CS Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, raising six children, all of whom became ranchers themselves. After Les’s death in 2001, Linda continued to manage the ranch independently. Her leadership extended beyond the ranch as she became involved in agricultural and historical organizations, including the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, where she served as the first secretary. She was also a founding member of the Annie Oakley Society.
Davis remained active throughout her life, contributing as an EMT volunteer and engaging in state and national agricultural initiatives. She passed away on February 18, 2024, at the age of 93, leaving a legacy of resilience and dedication to ranching.
