Lynda Mickelsen McClellan, 57, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at her home on March 27, 2025.

Born on June 12, 1967, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Lynn and Jeanine Mickelsen, Lynda was the fifth of nine children. She was a dedicated educator who inspired many students as a professor of world languages at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith. Her life was marked by a profound love for her family and an unwavering devotion to her faith as a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After graduating from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, Lynda served a mission in Cali, Colombia S.A. She continued her education at Ricks College and Brigham Young University, where she met her husband, David McClellan. Together, they raised four children, eventually settling in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she completed her Ph.D. in curriculum design at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Throughout her life, Lynda joyfully served in numerous church callings, culminating in the cherished role of ordinance worker at the Bentonville Arkansas Temple.

Lynda is lovingly remembered by her husband, David; her children Amanda (Andrew) Hubbard, Davis (Alicia) McClellan, Evan McClellan, and Daniel McClellan; and her beloved grandchildren Diana, David, Charles, Lucy, and Elizabeth Hubbard, and Thomas, Emma, and Levi McClellan. She is survived by her parents Lynn and Jeanine Mickelsen, and her siblings Mark Mickelsen (Stephanie), Don Mickelsen (Cathy), Jean Berger (Shane), Karen Davis (Marc), Janet Lightheart (Ken), Marilyn Scott (Michael), Leanne Price (Cyrus), and Paul Mickelsen (Sarah).

Undaunted in the way Lynda faced her health challenges, she did not allow them to inhibit her ability to reach others, especially in her capacity to serve and teach. Lynda's insatiable appetite for learning was contagious and a unique ability to teach others — in music, language learning, and in the Gospel.

A public viewing will take place on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N. 12th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8712 Horan Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Local arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.