Lynda Marlene McMillan Gines

With broken hearts and deep gratitude for the beautiful life she shared with us, we announce the passing of Lynda Marlene McMillan Gines— beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher, woman of faith, and friend. Lynda passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Lynda was born on August 6th,1946 in Heber City, Utah to Raymond & Ruby McMillan. She graduated from Morgan High School with the Class of 1964. During her school years, she was active in student leadership, serving as student body vice president and drill mistress. She was also active in 4-H and the Miltonahs Riding Club. She later attended Weber College, earning her bachelor’s degree in education. Even as a young woman, Lynda possessed a strong sense of purpose, an independent spirit, and a willingness to step forward and become involved.

For 25 years, Lynda taught third grade at Morgan Elementary. Teaching was far more than the work she did, it was one of the most meaningful ways she shared herself with the world. She understood that children remember more than the lessons taught from books. They remember those who saw them, believed in them, challenged them, and cared about the people they were becoming.

Lynda shared a loving and adventurous life with her husband, Max. They were married on June 8th, 1991, and sealed in the Ogden Utah Temple. Together, they created a beautiful family, blending many into one. Their marriage was rooted in faith, service, and an unwavering love for each other.

Lynda and Max loved to travel and were fortunate to explore places throughout the world. It was about discovering new destinations and the history found there. Their many adventures with friends and family became an important and cherished part of the legacy they created together.

Lynda also knew how to find beauty much closer to home. Throughout her life, she loved riding horses, tending her garden, caring for her many pets, watching birds, and spending time with her beloved grandchildren. She and Max attended every recital, play, game, graduation and special event for their children and grandchildren. Giving that support and showing up for the ones she loved was her true passion.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lynda served generously throughout her life exemplifying the teachings of her Savior. She served twice as a Relief Society president, and also gave her time and leadership to Primary, Young Women, and her much adored Activity Day girls. She and Max served multiple LDS missions – one serving the people of the Philippines and one closer to home, serving the military men and women on base in Bentonville, Arkansas. They made sure that every single missionary they looked after felt like they were one of their own.

Service was not simply a responsibility Lynda accepted, it was part of who she was. Up until the time of her passing, she was still serving actively in her church callings, supporting her neighbors, and giving back to her community. She believed that her faith in Jesus Christ was best expressed through action—by showing up, caring for others, and offering love freely and without condition.

Above all else, Lynda loved her family. She was proud of the people she loved and gave them the comfort of knowing they had a place with her. Her strength, loyalty, and steady presence carried her family through both joyful and difficult seasons. She celebrated their accomplishments, stood beside them during their struggles, and made her love known through countless acts both large and small.

Those who knew Lynda will remember her not only for everything she accomplished, but also for the way she made people feel. Her love was genuine and unconditional. She gave those around her the feeling that they mattered, that they belonged, and that they were never alone.

Lynda is survived by her beloved husband, Max Gines; her children, Traci Smith (Phillip), Jeff West (Jodi), Sharla Bell (Steve), Brady Henley, Burt Gines (Vicki), Jamie Gines, Clay West (MaShel), Chad West (Meredith), Steven Gines (Brooklyn), Bowen Gines (Linsey), Kenneth Gines (Nichole), Natalie Harper (Todd), Kaelea Fitzgerald, and Derick Gines (Lauren), 50 cherished grandchildren with 1 more on the way; 6 precious great-grandchildren with 1 more on the way, her siblings, Micheal McMillan (Ann), Susan Mecham, Mark McMillan (Melinda); and many extended family members, former students, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond & Ruby McMillan, her sister, Cyndy Carver, and brother-in-law, Milan Mecham, who greeted her in Heaven with open arms.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 5th, 2026 at 11 AM, with a viewing prior, from 9:30-10:30 AM, at the Milton LDS Church – 1255 North Morgan Valley Drive, Morgan, UT. A viewing will also be held Friday September 4th, from 6 to 8 PM at the Milton LDS Church. Interment will follow immediately after the funeral service at the Milton Cemetery.

The full reach of Lynda’s love and influence can never truly be measured. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the people she served, the strength of her testimony, the children she shaped, and in every precious memory within our hearts. Grandma Lynda, we will miss you.