Linda Irene Bethel (Ruggles) of Atascadero made her transition in her home on Saturday, January 18th, 2014 surrounded by her "shining stars" after a fearless and graceful 2 year battle with cancer. Linda was born July 21st, 1943 in Mankato, Kansas. At eight months old she traveled with her parents and sister to Paso Robles, CA where she was raised in a love-filled family with her brother and sister.

After graduating from Cal Poly Linda worked as an elementary school teacher in Paso Robles for 37 years, teaching multi-generations – sons and daughters of past students. It was common for Linda to run into students and hear the comment "you were my favorite teacher".

Linda was extremely active and committed to a healthful life. She enjoyed jogging/walking around Atascadero Lake, hiking, watching the sunset (the miracle), and going to the movies. She loved camping, especially in the redwoods of Big Sur, where she would take annual trips with her family. Linda loved "the Blues" and was a fixture at local festivals and concerts. Her bi-annual Blues Party was legendary. Linda also enjoyed the theatre. She and her daughter just celebrated their 25th anniversary of going to San Francisco to go to the theatre, shop and eat amazing cuisine – two more of Linda's favorite activities. More than anything Linda loved her family and that unconditional love was displayed time and time again in her selfless acts of giving.

Linda was an ageless child of the universe and everything she embarked on was from a standpoint of positivity. She believed in miracles and was able to see them in her everyday life. Even in her last days her positive attitude showed – when asked how she was doing she would reply "wonderful"!

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and AnnaBell Ruggles. Linda is survived by her son Rick Danchuk (wife Rita), daughter Kristin Dennis (husband Russ), stepson Brian Bethel (wife Jennifer), brother Dennis Ruggles (wife Vicki), sister Leona Thomas (husband Hugh), grandsons Jacob, Zach, Trace, Jenson and Zach and granddaughters Ashley, Kaitlyn, Montanna, and Alanna and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will also be missed by her enormous circle of friends.

Services will be held in her beautiful home on Monday, January 27th at 1:30 p.m.

As you many of you know from visiting Linda's house in the past, parking is limited. Please carpool and be mindful of blocking driveways or street access. There is also parking near Atascadero Lake, which is only a short walk from Linda's house. There will be signs directing people to the walking path that leads up the hill to the house. You can access the path from memorial grove.