Marion Ida Miller

Marion Ida (Kegley) Miller (Mrs. Donald C. Miller), 86, of Grand Forks, died Saturday, August 6, 2011 at Valley Eldercare after a long illness. Marion was born in Nashville, TN, on December 17, 1924. She was orphaned at an early age and moved to Sioux City, IA, where she was adopted by John and Ida Kegley. On November 30, 1941, Marion married Donald C. Miller, also of Sioux City, IA. She graduated from Sioux City Central High School. When Donald Miller entered the Coast Guard during service for World War II, Marion followed him to New York City, where she was employed at Lincoln Savings Bank, at Abraham and Strauss, and on the Manhattan Project (for Dr. Urey). She attended classes at Hunter College in Junior Management. They stayed in New York City for the duration of the war, and then relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where Don facilitated the discharge of veterans. Their first child, John Douglas, was born and died at US Naval Hospital, Staten Island, NY. Don and Marion returned to Sioux City, where Don graduated from Morningside College while Marion worked at the Livestock Bank. She also attended classes at Morningside. After graduation, they moved to Minneapolis, where Don started his long banking career. Their second child, Kirk Allison, was born in Minneapolis. In 1952, they moved to Fargo, ND. After their third child, Nancy, was born, Marion began an active civic career, including being President of the Fargo Mrs. JCs, and state president of the JC Auxiliary. She worked with scouting and PTA. She received a lifetime recognition from the PTA. She entered numerous times in the state fair and won ribbons for knitting and art. They were members of the First Methodist Church in Fargo. Their house was destroyed in the 1957 Fargo tornado. Their fourth child, Patricia, was born just as they left Fargo to start a bank position in Grafton, ND, where they stayed until 1963. In 1963, they moved to Grand Forks, where Don was the first president of the Community National Bank. Marion was involved with Wesley United Methodist Church (President of the Women's Association for three years), the Order of Eastern Star, PEO, AI Disabled Children, the Republican house tour, Franklin Club, and continued with many of her other interests. She and Don were avid bridge players, and Marion also played contract bridge. Marion was an avid knitter, seamstress, decorator, antique collector, and other crafts. She and Don first traveled to Europe in the mid-80s, and they became enthusiastic travelers, eventually visiting 35 countries and nearly all the states. Marion and Don were devoted residents of Grand Forks. They had many friends wherever they went, and found nothing wanting in their life in North Dakota. Marion was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Don, their first child, and her parents. She is survived by son Kirk (Rhonda) of Fargo, Nancy Giddings (Richard) of Bozeman, MT, and Patricia Reed of Grand Forks. She has 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Marion will be buried at Logan Cemetery, Sioux City, IA. FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. Grand Forks, ND. VISITATION: One hour prior to the service at Amundson's. INTERMENT: Logan Park Cemetery, Sioux City, IA.