Linda Ruth (Triggs) Statler of Piggott, AR, was born in Manning, IA, and died December 22, 2025, in her home in Piggott, AR. Linda was 77 years old.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Russell Statler; her parents, Leon George Triggs and Ruby Alice Triggs; and a stepson, Michael Lyndon Statler, Sr. (Kathleen).

She is survived by one daughter, Jennifer Ruth McKenney (Garrett); one son, Neil Clifton Mitchell; two stepdaughters, Felicia Ann Davis (Kent), and Debra Jeanette Statler; one stepson, Kevin Russell Statler; two grandchildren, Claire Ruth McKenney and Nathan Frank McKenney; 8 step grandchildren, Nichols Russell Statler (Claire), Madolyn Claire Statler, Caleb Rook Statler, Ernest Wilson Carter, Michael Lyndon Statler, Jr., George Allen Statler, James Lucas (Ashley), and Tabitha Rae Bachkora (Kolbe); and 7 great step grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters; Judy Elaine Pine (Lou), and Carol Marie Everly; one niece, Jennie Louise Pine, and one nephew, Joel Mitchell Andrews.

Linda graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1970 with a BA in Upper Elementary Education with a science emphasis, and later earned a Master's degree in Education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. , she served as a Title 1 reading teacher, Chapter 1 reading teacher, H.O.T.S. (Higher Order Thinking Skills) teacher, ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, and computer laboratory manager

Linda retired from the state of Arkansas as a teacher. After 18 years of marriage to her beloved husband Jim, who passed away in 2007, she moved to Piggott in 2010 to be near her daughter, Jenni, and new granddaughter, Claire.

Her greatest passion in life was her faith and love of all things God. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in McGehee, AR. She also attended several churches in Piggott; Hitts Chapel, First Presbyterian, and First Methodist church. She sang in the choir, played the piano and organ, taught Sunday School, attended Bible studies, and volunteered her time to the church and missions. She and Jim became Stephen Leaders with Stephen Ministries through the Presbytery Arkansas during their time in McGehee. Linda's father, who served as a pastor, told her that she was the one who should have been the preacher, not him!

Her second passion in life was teaching children. She continued this passion after moving to Piggott to help Jenni with the grandkids. Her time spent with them involved lots of fun learning games and activities.

Her family was very important to her, whether it was immediate or stepfamily. She loved them all the same and treated them all with the same advice and love.

If anyone should want to make a memorial gift, we suggest the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. And should there be any grammatical error in this announcement, her family takes comfort in the fact that she is resting in the place where all is forgiven, as she was an avid proof-reader and grammatical corrector. Anyone who spent much time with Linda, knew she was a meticulous note-taker. Her family has found notes she took dating back to the 70s in her home. She lived a life of love and service to those who were blessed to be in her path.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Linda at Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home in Piggott, AR on January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome.