Linda Janet Smiles

Dr. Linda Janet Smiles, age 82, passed away peacefully in Mansfield, Texas, on May 23, 2025. Born on November 14, 1942, in Dallas County, Linda was the only child of Walter Robert Miller and Hazel Gladys Noble. Her father later married Janie Miller, whom Linda lovingly viewed as a second mother. Janie raised Linda as her own, and Linda became the cherished eldest daughter in a warm and lively blended family of seven children.

Linda spent her childhood in Midlothian, Texas, where she developed both grit and grace. Growing up on a farm, she embraced hard work- milking cows, riding horses, and driving tractors, while also shining as a high school cheerleader and FFA Sweetheart. Known for her glamour and warm spirit, she was remembered cruising campus in her iconic turquoise '57 Chevy. Linda graduated from Midlothian High School in 1960 and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University in 1964.

While at TCU, she married fellow Horned Frog Carl Koch and together they raised two children, Robby and Kimberly. Linda began her long and impactful career in education at Northside High School in the late 1960s. She later taught at Trimble Tech and, in 1981, pioneered Fort Worth ISD’s first magnet program at Polytechnic High School-a groundbreaking achievement that shaped countless futures.

After obtaining her master's in education from the University of North Texas, Linda joined Grapevine-Colleyville ISD in 1984. She served as principal at Grapevine Middle School and Grapevine Junior High, eventually becoming vice principal at Grapevine High School. In 1990, she married the love of her life, fellow educator Ronald Smiles. Together, they shared a deep bond and a passion for travel, dancing, and fine dining.

In 1992, Linda became the founding principal of Southlake Carroll’s new high school campus. Under her leadership, the school achieved national acclaim as a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School. During her tenure, Southlake Carroll was also named a Texas Mentor School, Texas Exemplary School, and Texas Blue Ribbon School. In 1996, she was honored as the TASSP Region XI High School Principal of the Year.

After retiring from public education, Linda joined her husband at Dallas Baptist University, where she served as a professor and later Interim Dean of the College of Education. During this time, she completed her doctoral studies at the University of Sarasota. She continued to teach well into her 70s, finding joy and purpose in mentoring future educators.

Beyond her professional achievements, Linda’s heart belonged to her family. She was the life of every celebration-birthdays, holidays, graduations, always arriving with balloons, beads, and unmatched enthusiasm. She loved card games like Canasta and Bridge, and was known for her thoughtful letters and encouraging words. Her grandchildren meant the world to her, and she maintained close relationships with each one. In 2022, she was lovingly named “Lovie” by her first great-grandchild, a title she wore with honor.

After Ron’s passing in 2013, Linda moved to her beloved home in Cardinal Oaks, Mansfield. Surrounded by magnolias, roses, redbuds, and gardenias, she found peace in her garden and joy in her community.

Linda was a woman of faith, a devoted Christian, and she is now reunited with her Heavenly Father and loved ones who have gone before her.

She is survived by her son, Robert Koch (Jennifer Koch); daughter, Kimberly Byrom (Chris Byrom); sisters, Carolyn Spain (Mike Spain) and Janice Rich (Steve Rich); brothers, Walter Miller Jr. (Toni Miller), John Howe (Christina Howe), and Dave Smith; grandchildren, Katlynn Weaver (Tyler Weaver), Makenzie Koch (Kyle Bettencourt), Julia Taylor, Christian Taylor, Brooke Byrom, and Andrew Byrom; and great-grandchild, Sims Weaver.

Linda always spoke with immense pride and gratitude about her family. She felt incredibly blessed by the love, strength, and closeness they shared.

In addition, Linda adored Ron’s children and grandchildren, spending countless hours investing her love, time, and care into their lives. She is lovingly remembered by Wendy Barnes (Boyd Barnes); Tracy Smiles (Keith Palmer); Scott Smiles; Deborah Flounders (Paul Flounders); Melanie Smiles; and Ronnie Smiles (Jemma Smiles); as well as grandchildren Bryce Barnes, Sylvie Barnes, Kyle Palmer, Christopher Flounders, Sophie Flounders, Emily Blackburn, and Ron Smiles Jr, Andrew Smiles, and Harriet Smiles.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ron Smiles; her parents, Walter Robert Miller and Hazel Gladys Noble; her mother Etta Jane Miller; and her sister, Debbie Jill Smith.

Dr. Linda Smiles will be remembered for her devotion to family, brilliance in education, and her joyful, generous heart. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.