Marlene M. Miller, age 85, of Mediapolis, Iowa, formerly of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at 7:40 AM on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the South East Regional Hospice House, West Burlington, Iowa with her family by her side. She was born March 10, 1939 in Arcola, Indiana, the daughter of Wayne and Helen (Vaughn) Miller. She was reared and educated in Arcola, and graduated from Arcola High School with the Class of 1957. On October 28, 1967, Marlene married Lawrence J. Miller in Arcola, Indiana. They then moved to Oquawka, Illinois, where they were life long residents. Lawrence preceded her in death.
In her early years, Marlene worked as a bookkeeper for the National Bank in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. After moving to Oquawka, Illinois, she and Larry operated Millers Produce and Sand Valley Nursery, supplying flowers, Christmas trees, and vegetables to their customers. Marlene was a life-long owner/breeder of Appaloosa and Paint Horses. Over the years, they supplied many horses to local children to ride. Marlene had a heart of gold and was always out to save the world and anyone in it if they needed a helping hand. She was a great friend to anyone she met.
Marlene is survived by two daughters, Lisa Stoikovic and Susan (Brian) Cockran, two sons, Alan (Krissi) Miller and John (Carol) Miller, seventeen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry, one daughter Julia Miller, two sons, Danny Miller and Kenny Miller, and two sisters, Judy Dafforn and Gloria BoJab.
As were Marlene’s wishes, cremation is being accorded. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, July 8, 2024 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. A memorial is being established and will be named at a later date.
