Linda (Elam) Bonds, 70, of Kapa’a, Hawaii, passed away on June 20, 2026 at Wilcox Memorial Hospital on Kaua’i.

Born in Pullman, Washington, on Oct. 7, 1955, Linda built a life defined by devotion to her family, her community, and especially to the horses she loved and trained with exceptional skill and care.

She was preceded in death by her father Dr. C.J. “Jim” Elam, and her mothe Lucille E. Tessier.

Linda is survived by her husband James Bonds; brother Mike Elam (Diana-deceased); sisters Kathy Roberts (Rocco), Julie Mora (Mario), and Elaine Gay (David); along with numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins who cherished her deeply.

Linda’s family moved to the Santa Ynez Valley in early 1962, where she attended Ballard School and played in the Ballard Drum and Bugle Corps.

She was an active participant and supporter of the local Pony Club, nurturing the passion for horses that would shape her life.

She graduated from Dunn School in Los Olivos before beginning her career as a professional horse trainer, working in California and Hawai’i.

Linda married James Bonds in December 1998. In 2005, they moved to Kaua’i with their beloved horses, embracing the island life together.

In 2007, Linda founded the Garden Island Sobriety newsletter, a project she dedicated herself to for nearly two decades, continuing its publication through the end of 2025.

Linda was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

A service for Linda will be at a later date.