Marilyn Ann Miller

Marilyn Ann Miller, 63, of La Grande, died May 29th in the log home her husband built her, while surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held at the LDS Stake Center, 1802 Gekeler Lane, on June 5th at 2:00 PM, in La Grande, Oregon. Internment will follow the service at Grandview Cemetery, with a reception and video at the LDS Stake Center.

Marilyn was born June 14th (Flag Day), 1946 in Burns, Oregon at Valley View Hospital to Lee and Irene Reed. The Reed family where part of the original pioneers that helped settle Harney Valley. She grew up in Burns where she enjoyed the outdoors and spent time with her father on hunting and fishing trips. Marilyn and her family were active members of the Burns Baptist Church. She worked at her parent's store "Reed Office and Supply".

Marilyn graduated from Burns Union High School in 1964. She was a member of the
Burns High School Band where she played the flute. She had the leading part in the high school play her senior year and was a National Honor Society member.

After high school Marilyn moved to Portland and attended Portland Dental Assistant School, graduating in 1965. That summer she married Verl E. Miller her high school sweetheart. The family moved to Provo, Utah where Marilyn had their first son, Verl C. Miller born Jan. 7, 1966. Upon Verl's graduation the family moved to Edwards Air Force Base in California for her husband's first teaching position. Their second son, Thad Lee Miller was born Oct. 30th 1969 at nearby Lancaster Hospital.

The family returned back to Oregon with Verl teaching at The Dalles for two years and then ultimately to La Grande in 1973. Marilyn took employment in the lab at the Grande Ronde Hospital for over 15 years and later went back and obtained her Real Estate license, finishing with an exceptional career as a realtor in her continuing pursuit to help others. For over 28 years, she volunteered much of her time to support the La Grande Wrestling Program; contributing to the success of many young men over the years. Marilyn's exceptional work ethic, care, respect and love for others brought her close to many parents, wrestlers and clients as her giving spirit held no bounds. She continued in her Real Estate career and volunteer work until she was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.

Marilyn loved nothing more than spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends. Her lab employment with Grande Ronde Hospital started at 4:30 AM and it was not uncommon for her to travel long distances to support her grandchildren's school and athletic events. She enjoyed planning out and being involved in birthday parties and holidays for those she loved. After her husband's retirement she enjoyed taking long drives around Northeast Oregon to take in the beautiful scenery and took several vacations.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Verl, of La Grande, sister Brenda Whitsell of Gallatin Tennessee, sons Verl and Thad Miller of Sherwood Oregon, cousins Debbie Branson of Springfield Oregon, Deanna Brenner of Vancouver Washington and six grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to La Grande High School Wrestling in c/o Klel Carson, 62019 Starr Lane, La Grande, Oregon. Please make checks to LaGrande High School Wrestling.

.