Dr. 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 Jeanine and Lynn 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 high school in Idaho Falls, Lynda served a mission in Cali, Colombia. She continued her education at Rick’s College and Brigham Young University, where she met her husband, David McClellan. Together, they raised four children, were a pillar in the Boothbay community for seven years, and eventually settled 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, LucyLyn, and Elizabeth Hubbard, as well as Jane, Thomas, Emma, and Levi McClellan. She is also survived by her parents and eight siblings, who will greatly miss her warmth, kindness, and wisdom. 

A public viewing will take place on Tuesday, April 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N. 12th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8712 Horan Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Lynda will be laid to rest in Idaho Falls, Idaho, at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery on Saturday, April 5.