Lillian Margaret Milliken passed away Aug. 28, 2004, at Homeplace Special Care Center in Oak Harbor after a long fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. Lillian, daughter of Paul G. and Hannah Schneider Mueller, was born Dec. 20, 1917, on her parents’ homestead in the Raft River Valley, near Cottrell and Idahome, Idaho. She was raised in Burly, Idaho, and graduated from the University of Idaho in 1941. Lillian had also attended the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and was postgraduate fellow at the University of Washington. Oct. 9, 1942, she married Donald D. Milliken in Santa Barbara, Calif.
The last 17 years of her working life, she was the administrative assistant to the director of the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. Before moving to Whidbey Island, the family had lived for many years in Great Falls, Mont., and in Seattle. After moving to Whidbey Island, she was a bonsai grower and demonstrator, a WSU/Island County Master Gardener, a member of Whidbey Island Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society and a board member and volunteer at Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens.
She enjoyed gardening, travel, music, her family and her many friends. Lillian was a member of the “Fun Band” at the Bayview Senior Center for several years. All who knew her will miss her and her sweet smile.
She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years and three loving children: Mary Jo Carlsen in Waterville; Maine, Jean Silk in Elkhart, Ind.; Paul Milliken in Tours, France; seven grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, George H. Mueller, and sister, Evelyn H. Merrill.
Lillian’s family would like to thank the caring staff of Homeplace Special Care Center for their loving kindness during her residence there. In keeping with her wishes, no service will be held. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. Cremation was performed by Bleitz Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be made to Homeplace of Oak Harbor, 171 6th Ave. SW, Oak Harbor, WA. 98277; Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank, WA. 98253 or Senior Services of Island County, 14594 SR 525, Langley, WA. 98260.
