Passed away peacefully at her home in Arcata, surrounded by her loving family on January 26, 2011. Marleen was born in Oregon on July 31, 1942. She moved to McKinleyville in 1949 with her parents, who owned and operated Marvin Grace Trucking. She was preceded in death by her parents Marvin Grace, Eileen Grace-Frahman, her step father Herbert Frahman and nephew Aron Costa. Marleen attended McKinleyville Elementary School and Arcata High School, graduating in 1960, and continued her education attending Humboldt State College (University). Marleen was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Humboldt Sponsors, Rebekah Lodge, Republican Women, Baywood Golf and Country Club, Baywood Women's Golf Association, McKinleyville Senior Advisory Board and Christian Women (Vital Network). Marleen Grace met the love of her life, Don Miller, on Easter of 1960 in Long Beach California while attending a Jr. Odd Fellows and Theta Rho State Convention. They married in December 1960 at the Arcata Methodist Church. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Marleen and Don became business partners with Dick and Joan Miller, and in 1963 the families together started Miller Farms Nursery. She was actively involved in the business until 2004. Marleen and Don moved to the dairy ranch in Arcata in 1969 where they raised their three sons and currently reside. Marleen's parents were the founding partners of Grace Park in McKinleyville. Marleen and Don were the 2010 recipients of the Azalea award from the McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce and along with their partners, Dick and Joan, had the privilege of being Grand Marshall's of Pony Express Days. Marleen especially enjoyed golfing, snow skiing, snow mobile riding, traveling with her friends and spending time and entertaining at their homes in Arcata and Bend Oregon. But her dearest hobbie was watching her children and grandchildren participate in their sporting activities. She was an avid supporter of local school events and youth sports as well as Redding youth sports and Shasta High School. Marleen is survived by her husband Don, sons Scott, children Logan, Greta, Hayden and great grandson Jayden. Ross, and wife Kelly and children Jennelle and fianc‚ Cory Crnich, Gavin and Lucas (USMC). Troy and children Garrett and Seth Graves. Her sister Chris Johannessen and husband John, children Tina King, husband Terry and children Taylor (USMC), Tanner and Damian Carmesin. Sister Deborah Peeples and husband Terry, children Amy Black, Julianna DeLaughder and Angel McGahern. Brother Tim Grace and children Geneva Nicholl, Kenny, Brendon and Brittian. Brother and Sister in-law Dick and Joan Miller, their children Linda and Garth Sundberg, Lori and Stan Poff, Great nieces and nephews, Randy and Sonja Sundberg, Renea Sundberg, Casey and Sarah Poff and Cara Poff and numerous great great nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives. Her special aunt Jean Bishop and husband Norman, Aunt Ella Grace and Great Aunt Virginia. Funeral services will be a private Interment at Sunset mausoleum. Friends and family are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life, with Pastor Steve Lundin, Saturday, February 12, 1-4pm at Baywood Golf and Country Club. Carpool if possible, shuttle service available on Buttermilk Lane. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Church of the Joyful Healer in McKinleyville, Hospice of Humboldt or Humboldt Area Foundation, in Marleen's honor. Care is under the direction of Paul's Chapel, Arcata, California. To leave condolences for the family please visit www.paulschapel.com.
Published in Eureka Times-Standard from February 5 to February 6, 2011
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