Linda Modrell, a former Benton County commissioner who championed equality and advocated tirelessly for vulnerable residents during her 16-year tenure, died Nov. 8, 2025 at age 82.
Modrell, a Philomath resident, served four terms as a Benton County commissioner from 1999 through 2014 after first being elected in 1998.
During her time in office, Modrell helped establish Beazell Memorial Forest, Fort Hoskins Historical Park and Fitton Green Natural Area. She also played a pivotal role in switching the county to a two-year budget cycle and purchasing the Sunset Building to consolidate county employees.
One of her most significant achievements was helping to set up Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties, a network of federally qualified health clinics for low-income residents that now serves patients in six locations. She also worked with the Association of Oregon Counties, serving as its president in 2009…