Linda Miller

Linda Sue (Martin) Miller began her heavenly life on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. She was 80 years old. Born September 17, 1946 in Berea, Ohio to Reland and Phyllis (Cotton) Martin.

She is survived by cherished sons, Brett (Shelli) and Todd (Jennifer); grandchildren, Ava, Reese, Luke, and Riley, whom she adored beyond measure and in whom she took tremendous pride; loving siblings, Neal (Mary Ann) Martin, John (Lynn) Martin, Bruce (Pam) Martin, Jim Martin, and Carol (Roger) Inkrott; Sister-in-law, Sylvia Hack; Brother-in-law Douglas (Arlene) Miller; many wonderful nieces and nephews; the family’s Thai exchange son, Udom Kiratinantapheecha (Sasicha), Bangkok, Thailand, and Joyjoy Jao; 4 grandcats, 1 granddog, 1 grandfish, 1 great-grandcat and 1 great-granddog; and the rich blessing of many friends. Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years and lifelong love, Ray Miller (2014), with whom she shared a beautiful life and countless treasured memories; parents, Phyllis (Cotton) and Reland Martin; in-laws, Kenneth and Mabel (Siler) Miller; sister-in-law, Rebecca (Detwiler) Martin; brothers-in-law, Leonard (Ann Haude) Miller and Gene Hack; sisters-in-law Ruthanna (Donald) Guckian, Glenna Jarvis, and Kaye Veldine Miller; and nieces and nephews each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Graduate of Cloverleaf High School (1964), Lodi, Ohio; The Ohio State University, BS in 1968, MS in 1994.

Linda proudly dedicated her teaching career to blessing students in Texas, Columbus City Schools, and Hilliard City Schools (24 years) with elementary and middle school students. Linda officially retired in 2003, but retirement, for her, simply meant having more time to give. Slowing down was never really part of the plan; instead, she filled her days with purpose, friendship, and service, giving generously of her time and talents to organizations and causes that mattered to her.

Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church was much more than Linda’s place of worship—it was a community she loved deeply. Over the years, she shared her time and talents through Grief Share, United Women in Faith, the Mission Garden, Youth Group and Lakeside trips, as well as beloved church traditions like the Chicken Barbecue and Box Lunches. Especially dear to her was her Prayer Group, where faith and friendship came together with many of her dearest friends.

Linda’s commitment to service extended far beyond her church and into communities both near and far. She served on the boards of Henderson Settlement in Kentucky and Community Development for All People, where she was also involved with the Southside Gardening Project, and she generously gave her time to the Farm Science Review. She also just celebrated becoming a 50-year member of Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.).

Henderson Settlement held a particularly special place in Linda and Ray’s hearts. Together, they turned a favorite family recipe into a locally famous fundraising tradition, “Uncle Ray’s Gourmet Peanut Brittle,” with proceeds supporting mission work at Henderson Settlement. Linda proudly took on the unofficial titles of Chief Operating Officer and Quality Control Specialist, roles she undoubtedly took very seriously.

Linda was also instrumental in helping establish the Buckeye Clinic for South Sudan, which provides free, critical healthcare to a community of approximately 40,000 people living in the area. She remained deeply involved in its mission and served as secretary of the organization.

Following Ray’s death, Linda worked passionately to endow the Ray Miller Scholarship, ensuring that his legacy would continue by creating opportunities for current agriculture students. Their shared commitment to developing future leaders also lives on through The Ray A. and Linda S. Miller Alpha Zeta Partners Leadership Fund.

Through Ray’s role as Assistant Dean in The Ohio State University College of Agriculture, Linda became a familiar and welcoming presence at countless university events. Always ready with a smile, encouragement, something delicious to share, and often a jar of her homemade jam, she supported students, faculty, friends, and The Ohio State community in the way she knew best: by making people feel welcome and cared for.

Linda also believed life was meant to be experienced and shared. She loved to travel, whether following the Buckeyes to a bowl game, exploring someplace new, or simply getting away to relax with family and friends. Never one to keep a good adventure to herself, Linda was always encouraging others to travel and was even happier when they joined her.

Linda and her family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care and compassion she received throughout her journey. Special thanks are extended to Dr. David Carbone and the Thoracic Oncology team at The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as the dedicated staff of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital. The family is especially grateful to the Intensive Care Unit team, whose extraordinary compassion and kindness brought comfort to Linda and her family during her final hours. Calling hours are Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Her Celebration of Life is Friday, September 25 at 11:00 a.m. Both events will take place at Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church, 4343 Dublin Rd. Hilliard, Ohio 43026. Scarlet and gray were more than colors to Linda. They represented cherished memories, traditions, and the joy of being a Buckeye. In the spirit of Carmen Ohio, those attending visitation are warmly invited to wear scarlet and gray in celebration of love, family, and friendships that will endure through time and change.

At a later date, Linda will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Ray, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio, surrounded by family and close friends.

In the weeks ahead, those wishing to honor Linda are encouraged to share an ice cream with someone they love or give a little of their time by volunteering for a cause close to their heart. Linda would be delighted to know that her memory inspired a little more sweetness, kindness, and connection in the world.

In lieu of flowers, the Miller Family requests that those wishing to make contributions in Linda’s memory do so to the Buckeye Clinic for South Sudan, Community Development for All People, Henderson Settlement or Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church. Linda and her family have been so blessed by all of you who have crossed their paths in her lifetime and during this recent journey with lung cancer. Your love and support means so much to us. Linda read and reread each guestbook entry on her CaringBridge site and greeting card you sent. Your prayers from around the United States and world gave her strength to continue to serve God on earth in many ways. So as the song goes, “May the Lord bless you and keep you, until we meet again.”