Linda Joy "Miller" Arrell

Linda Joy Arrell-known and loved as "Mama Bear"- passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus on the morning of January 25, 2026, at 6:52 a.m., her hands held by the family she cherished. She was 82 years old.

Born in Cherokee, Oklahoma, to Guy and Beuna Miller, Linda was raised in a home shaped by strength, scouting, and military discipline. Her father, a lifelong scoutmaster and military man, instilled in her the quiet art of being prepared-prepared for storms, for hardship, for responsibility, and for courage. That steady readiness became the rhythm of her life and, in time, the grace with which she faced its final chapter.

She grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, graduated from Lake Oswego High School, and earned her degree from Portland State University. Following in her mother's footsteps, she became an elementary school teacher, nurturing young minds with patience and warmth. Yet her greatest classroom was her own home. As a devoted mother of three and grandmother of four, she taught by example-how to stay young at heart, how to notice beauty in small things, and how to love fiercely and without reservation.

In her later years, Linda found joy and comfort in Seaside, Oregon, living with her son Dustin ("Dusty") and his wife Jill, alongside Jim and the late Karen Helpingstine. Near the steady rhythm of the ocean and beneath wide coastal skies, she spent her days surrounded by family, laughter, and the quiet peace of togetherness.

Linda's hands were always creating. She shaped stained glass that caught the sunlight in brilliant color. She poured candles that warmed homes with soft glow. She tended gardens that bloomed faithfully under her care. She was an avid reader and a hopeful author of children's books-a dream she carried close to her heart throughout her life. Her wit was sharp, her humor often mischievous, and her laughter unmistakable. Even in illness, her sarcasm and spark never dimmed.

She held a lifelong love for simple sweetness-especially lollipops. In one final, tender moment, she boldly asked for a lollipop and shared her last meal of ice cream with her family, savoring not just the taste, but the joy of being together. It was a small celebration of a life that always found delight in simple things.

After years of congestive heart failure and a recent battle with myelodysplasia, Linda chose peace over further invasive treatment. With the same preparedness she learned as a young girl, she faced the end of her earthly journey with courage and faith. On a bright, sunny morning, she met Jesus-ready, whole, and unafraid.

Linda is survived by her children, Dustin Arrell (wife Jill), Kelly McCamont, and Sandra Arrell; her grandchildren, TJ, Ella, Dustin, and Jayden; her nieces, Tori (Midlam) Murray and Emily Robinson; her nephew, Chris Midlam; her sister, Nancy Miller; and her brother-in-law, Mark Robinson. She will be laid to rest with her parents, Guy and Beuna Miller, and lovingly remembered alongside her late sister, Diana Midlam.

A private family ceremony will be held at River View Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, overlooking Mt. Hood.

Linda's life was a tapestry of strength and tenderness, discipline and delight. She prepared for life, she embraced it fully, and when the time came, she was prepared for eternity.

She now rests in the radiant presence of Jesus, free from pain and embraced by everlasting love. As Revelation 21:4 promises, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

In that promise, her family finds comfort and unshakable hope-trusting that one day, beyond sorrow and beyond time, they will see her again, laughter bright, arms open, and light all around her.