Linda Fantz Arthurs, age 68, of Centralia, Washington, passed away Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at home. Linda was born Nov. 1, 1953, to Chester Lawrence (Larry) Mitchell and Martha Juanita Mitchell. She had two siblings, Walter Lynn Mitchell and Pamela Yvonne Neil.
In 1972, Linda graduated from Centralia High School. After high school, she attended and graduated from Seattle Pacific University.
On April 24, 1993, she married James Lloyd Arthurs at the Chehalis Foursquare Church. Together, they loved their blended family, which included Elke Etcheberry, David Arthurs, Christine Debow, Sarah Partain, John Henry and Mike Henry.
Linda retired in 2013 after working for the State of Washington for a combined 20 years. Prior to the Department of Revenue, she worked for Stihl Northwest for over a decade.
Linda was the heart and protector of our family. You could always find her on the front porch of the Jackson House watching and praying over her family and neighborhood. She truly loved Jesus and was a woman of strong faith. She was a safe place for many, ready with a lovely story or a quiet shoulder to cry on. Visits with her on the porch were wonderful time warps where three hours could go by in the blink of an eye.
Cooking was Linda’s way to relax. She enjoyed cooking a favorite meal for whomever might be coming over, and giving tips and tricks, and sharing recipes. Linda loved crocheting, quilting and sewing. She was well known for her creativity, handmade gifts and love of dressing up with her girls.
In her younger years, she loved outdoor adventures including camping, shooting and driving her Jeep and motorcycles. She believed you should be able to do your own car maintenance and instilled this in her children. Later in life, she loved traveling, going on multiple cruises and taking road trips with her husband and family. She loved going to concerts, comedy shows and theatrical shows like Cirque du Soleil and The Nutcracker.
Preceding her in death were her parents Larry and Martha Mitchell, and brother Lynn Mitchell.
Linda is survived by her husband James Arthurs; sister Pam Neil; children Elke Etcheberry, David (Rena) Arthurs, Christine Debow, John Henry and Mike (Kat) Henry; nieces Sarah (David) Partain and Anna Juarez; nephew William (Heather) Neil; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A viewing for Linda will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, Washington, 98531. A celebration of life will occur at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, at the Chehalis Foursquare Church, 990 NW State Ave., Chehalis, Washington, 98532. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel.
