Linda Rita Millar Smith

Linda Rita Millar-Smith lost her courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, July 5th, 2016, in San Luis Obispo, Calif., surrounded by her loving family and friends. Through it all Linda continued to have a positive attitude, an unfailing faith in God, and incredible strength. She continued to fight until the very end. Linda was born in March of 1965 in Pomona, Calif. She grew up in Grover Beach, Calif. She attended St. Patrick's Elementary School where she met lifelong friends. Linda attended St. Joseph's High School and Arroyo Grande High School where she was voted Prom Queen and was a member of the swim team. She graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1983. She attended Cuesta College and then transferred to Chico State University where she also was a member of the swim team. She graduated in 1987 and went on to graduate school at Cal State Northridge completing her graduate work in Speech Pathology. Speech Pathology and working with people was Linda's true calling. Anyone who came in contact with her could see that. Many described her as always smiling and having an infectious laugh. Although she loved all people, working with children was her true passion. She helped countless children in our community "find their voices." Her spirit shined when she had the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child, and many can attest that she changed the lives of many children in this community. Linda worked in variety of settings including Lompoc School District and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital. She had her own practice, MST Speech and Language Center with her close friend Charlotte Techau, and most recently worked at Central Coast Home Health. Linda married the love of her life, Jim Smith, on August 17, 1991. They would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this August. They had two boys; Ryan who was born in 2001 and Austin who was born in 2004. Linda loved her family more than anything and did all she could to give them a great life. Through her life, Linda also had a great love for horses. She briefly participated in equestrian jumping as a teenager but had a passion for dressage which she participated in for many years. Linda's true escape when she needed to relax was to go spend time with her horse, Reggie. Linda will be remembered as a strong, kind, loving and extremely generous woman who gave all of herself to those around her especially those she loved. Linda is survived by her mother, Joan Millar, of Paso Robles; her husband, Jim Smith, of Paso Robles; sons: Austin Smith and Ryan Smith of Paso Robles; her sister, Tara Tuatai of Australia; her brother, Kevin Millar and nephews, Michael Millar, Josh Millar, and niece, Christine Millar of Vancouver, Washington, and niece, April Millar of Paso Robles. She was preceded in death by her father, Floyd Millar. Mass will be held at St. Williams Catholic Church at 6410 Santa Lucia Rd., Atascadero on Wednesday July 13th at 11:00am. Graveside services will be held immediately following at the Paso Robles District Cemetery. Donations can be made to Linda's Go Fund Me account at: www.gofundme.com (Linda Millar-Smith.) Donations will go to help her family in this time of need. Arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home, Paso Robles, CA.