Marla Rae Miles

Marla was born on July 30, 1942 in Fremont, Nebraska to Andrew and Lila Clausen. Marla was the first child with brother, Marvin Clausen, following eight years later. Growing up in Wahoo, Nebraska, Marla loved to ride horses, help her parents on the farm, and participate in the marching band. Marla graduated from Wahoo High School in 1959.

Marla met her future husband, Jim Miles, in high school in 1956. The high school sweethearts married August 21,1960 at the Wahoo Bethlehem Lutheran Church. After they married, they moved to Omaha, Nebraska. In 1964 they packed everything up and started a new life in Lakewood, Colorado. Moving to Buena Vista, Colorado, in 1972, Marla described these years as some of the happiest of her life. Marla and Jim welcomed their two precious children to the family during their years in Buena Vista. Timothy Andrew Miles was born July 3, 1972 with Amy Dawn Miles (Sherman) following on November 14, 1973. In 1976, the family moved to Castle Rock, Colorado where they raised their family. Marla worked for FirstBank of Colorado, raising through the ranks to Executive Vice President. Moving out of Castle Rock to nearby Franktown, Marla and Jim enjoyed showing and raising llamas at their “Gentle Day Farm”.

Marla retired after 33 years with FirstBank, and they moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2003. Marla and Jim designed and built their dream home with a magnificent view of Pikes Peak. Marla and Jim also owned a family cabin in Grand Lake, Colorado, where many family gatherings and celebrations happened over 25 years. They spent 16 years as “Winter Texans” in their RV in Port Aransas, Texas. More recently, they enjoyed spending time in their condo in Salida, Colorado.

Marla was a beautiful soul full of color and kindness. She loved the beach and took photos of sunrises and sunsets. She was an accomplished artist, painter, and quilter. Her paintings were in a gallery in Palmer Lake, Colorado. She made exquisite, colorful quilts for every special occasion for friends and family members. Marla loved trying new restaurants and food trucks, shopping, and traveling. She also participated in Pikes Peak Rollers RV Club, Quilt Club and Women of Faith group.

Most of all, Marla loved her husband, children and spouses, and five grandchildren. She was happiest when all 11 of them were together. She never missed a grandchild’s game or performance or award program. She was the very best Wife, Mom and Grandma.

Marla is survived by husband Jim, children Tim and Tamara Miles and Amy and Steve Sherman, and five beloved grandchildren, Logan Miles, Benton Miles, Hadley Miles, Max Sherman, and Ashley Sherman. Marla is also survived by brother Marvin Clausen, and nieces, Sara and Dana Clausen. Marla has a large extended family on Jim’s side that she loved very much.

Marla is preceded in passing by her parents, Andrew and Lila Clausen, and in-laws, Phyllis and Mark Miles.

Marla was the sunshine and we were her garden. She was everyone’s “Rae” of sunshine and will be celebrated in her favorite season of summer. In her memory, the family asks you to plant a yellow rosebush, donate art supplies to children, or make a financial donation to your local art gallery.