Marion Elaine Catton Miller

Marion E. Catton Miller Feb. 23, 1929 - April 22, 2016 Marion Elaine Catton Miller, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, returned quietly and peacefully to the loving arms of her Heavenly parents, in the early evening of April 22, 2016. She lived everyday of her 87 years with a fierce independent spirit, and a love of music, nature, animals, and family. The elder of two children, Marion was born on February 23, 1929, in Los Angeles, California, to Harold Edward Catton and Ethel Louise Brockmiller Catton. She always enjoyed sharing her fond memories of spending time as a toddler with her maternal grandmother; and later, on the horse ranch her parents had in Sunny Valley, Oregon when she was a young teenage girl. Marion graduated from Compton Junior College, in Compton, California in 1948. A student of music and opera, Marion loved performing, and during 1949 and 1950 she appeared in various productions of the Compton community Playhouse. A lifelong, active, Christian Scientist, Marion met her faithful and devoted companion, Maurice Aarvin Miller, at the church she attended in Bellflower, California. Marion and Maurice married on September 3, 1956 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They had one daughter. In 1968, Marion and Maurice moved their small family from Paramount, California, to the Southern Oregon area. In the mid-1970’s, Marion returned to college and obtained her teaching license, while she also worked as the Chief Deputy County Clerk for Jackson County in Medford, Oregon. Upon obtaining her Master’s degree, Marion immediately began teaching at Rogue Community College in Grants Pass, Oregon, where she remained employed until she reached retirement age. However, even after retirement, Marion continued teaching as a volunteer for two computer groups for senior citizens as long as she was able. She also was very active in her Homeowner’s Association, church, and other community organizations. During the last two years, Marion resided at the Applegate House in Grants Pass, Oregon. Marion was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Laura (Darin) Elaine Miller Liddell; grandchildren, Jesse Daniel Liddell, Jennifer (Martin) Elaine Liddell Hart, and Justin (Rachel) Flint Liddel; ten great-grandchildren, and her younger brother, Raymond (Jo) Carlin. Our family is very appreciative of the wonderful, kind, loving staff, and friends who made her time at the Applegate House so enjoyable and pleasant. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 2, 2016, at the Chapel of the Valley, 2065 Upper River Road, Grants Pass, OR 97526.