Linda Wheaton McMillan

Linda Rae Wheaton McMillan met Jesus face to face on June 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion to family and friends. Born on April 4, 1944, in La Grande, Oregon, Linda was the beloved daughter of Ed and Dream Wheaton and the youngest of their two children.

She graduated from La Grande High School in 1962, where she served as Student Body Secretary and earned the honor of being voted Miss Mimir by her senior class. A gifted singer, Linda was a member of the women’s singing ensemble and vocal trio that toured throughout eastern Oregon, performing at rodeos and county fairs and bringing joy to audiences wherever they went. She loved to travel with her family and friends thoughout her life.

Following high school, Linda attended the University of Oregon, joined Delta Zeta sorority, and earned a degree in Sociology in 1966. While in college, she was set up on a hayride date with fellow La Grande native, Jeff McMillan. The two began dating and were married in 1968, shortly after Jeff entered the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War years. Together they began their married life in Texas and welcomed their two children, Lea and Ross.

During their military years in Texas, Linda and Jeff came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through the discipleship ministry of The Navigators. Their faith became the foundation of their marriage, family, and future, guiding them through every chapter of life that followed.

After Jeff's Air Force service, the family returned to Oregon and settled in Hood River. Over the years, Linda embraced new adventures and communities as the family moved to several other states and finally Olympia, Washington. Wherever she lived, Linda’s gracious spirit, genuine kindness, and engaging warmth touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Linda’s life was marked by devotion – to her family, her friends, and her Savior. She was known for loving Jesus and loving others well. She welcomed new neighbors with a homemade meal, remembered birthdays with a thoughtful gift, sent countless funny cards, and delivered muffins or cookies just because. Linda had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and known.

A true servant at heart, Linda was other-centered and mastered the art of listening. Linda asked countless questions because she genuinely cared about what mattered to others. She was a wonderful conversationalist—humble and gracious.

As a beloved Mother, Mother-in-law, and Grandma, her love was compassionate, encouraging, and extraordinarily thoughtful. Small gifts, words of encouragement and acts of service were lavished upon all of us. She cherished those moments spent with her kids and grandkids, where warm hugs, storytime, puzzles, tickles and snuggles abounded.

Linda was also a faithful prayer warrior, active in women’s bible studies, and selfless in serving her church. She profoundly invested in people and left a legacy of a Christ-centered faith that will live on in her family, friends, neighbors, and community.

Linda fulfilled Jesus’ command in Matthew 22:37-39 to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” She is deeply missed and has left a huge hole in our hearts. We celebrate her life and the gift that she was to all of us. Because of her hope in Christ, we celebrate her homecoming into the arms of her Lord and eagerly await the day we will be reunited with her again.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Susan. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jeff, daughter Lea (Scott) and son Ross (Mona). Also surviving are five grandchildren, Ella, Lana, Jack, Kate and Luke.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held in Olympia, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Moody Bible Radio or Samaritan’s Purse.