Micheline McMillan Sarrail

She was born in Pomona, California on January 10, 1941, to a family with a long tradition of citrus ranching in the Golden State. Known to most as Micki, she attended Corona High School with a close circle of friends. After graduating in 1958, she moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona, where she joined the Delta Gamma sorority. Micki earned her degree in education in 1962 and went on to teach in the Phoenix Elementary School System for several years.

A beloved mother of two, Micki devoted her life to raising her children. In the late 1970’s, she returned to Southern California to live on her family’s McMillan Brothers Citrus Ranch in Corona. Gardening was a creative outlet and passion. She became a Master Gardener and, with her impeccable eye for design and beauty, she transformed her yard into a picturesque garden oasis. She delighted in finding interesting and unusual plants to grow alongside ponds of fish and pathways leading to benches for quiet reflection.

She generously welcomed family and friends into her home, where she created a life surrounded by beauty and whimsy – a lush retreat in the city, inviting relaxation and elevation of spirit.

Micki was an incredible cook, faithfully guided by her intuition and French heritage. She was always excited to try new recipes and techniques and present dishes in artistic ways. Inordinately picky about ingredients, she preferred harvesting from her own garden and enjoyed throwing nasturtiums in her salads.

As a skilled seamstress, she liked to sew clothing and screen-worthy costumes for her children and grandchildren to enjoy.

Micki’s unwillingness to compromise quality made everything she touched just that much better.

Micki is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ruby McMillan, and sister, Julie McMillan. She is survived by her sister, Robin Gray of Corona, California, daughter, Rebecca Madeline Butcher (Kenny), son, Robert Andrew Wilder (Rebecca), and five cherished grandchildren.

Micki was an unwavering source of love and encouragement for her family and friends, always making them feel welcomed and loved and special. Her generous spirit, sharp wit, and humor brought joy to many throughout her life.

Micki’s family is forever grateful for her life and for the love and loyalty of her many lifelong friends.

She will be profoundly missed.