Linfielder Marianne Milles featured in October 2021 issue of ‘The Tidings’ newsletter of McMinnville First Baptist Church
Marianne Mills was born in McMinnville but grew up in Waldport, on the Oregon coast, where her parents owned and operated a hardware store. While Marianne was in High School, she was very active in all activities, especially sports.
Marianne has deep roots in Yamhill County as both of her maternal grandparents’ families settled in the area to farm. She spent many happy holidays and summer vacations at her grandparents’ farm in the McMinnville area.
When it came time for Marianne to choose a college, of course, she chose Linfield. Her mother had graduated from Linfield years earlier with a degree in Home Ec and Business and taught at Linfield for a short time. In fact Duffy Reynolds and Joyce Martin were in classes she taught. Both were long time FBC members.
In 1972, Marianne graduated from Linfield with an education degree. She began her long successful career in Amity, (1972 – 85) and then Mac High School (1986 - 2002.) She was a teacher, coach, counselor, and Athletic Director. She retired in 2002. She went on to work for Excel Fitness, Linfield and the local Habitat affiliate for a number of years before retiring from everything about five years ago
Marianne’s connection with First Baptist Church began early in her life when she would attend church and Sunday School with her grandparents from time to time. Her mother was a member at FBC for over 80 years. Marianne has been a member for 50 years.
While she attending Linfield there was a Linfield student group at FBC and she became interested in the organization. She really enjoyed the students who attended as well as the faculty and community members who attended. They shared the same values and concerns she did, so it was easy to find a church home.
Marianne’s sons, Gregg and Jeff, and their families, live in McMinnville which she considers a huge blessing. During retirement Marianne keeps busy with many activities and projects. She volunteers at Habitat for Humanity where she served as Executive Director for several years and is currently on the Board. She also has stayed active in McMinnville School District activities. She volunteered at Memorial Elementary School, helps collect needed supplies for the high school resource room and helps with the District High School tennis tournament each year with Emily Duerfeldt. But her favorite job is spending time with her four beautiful granddaughters (13,11,10 and 8) They keep her busy with their school activities and sporting events.
This busy lady can also find time to exercise, does Pilates four days a week and volunteers at FBC’s small lending library. Marianne is our newest Official Board Member. We are so glad to have her with us. She is a real asset with her leadership skills and history with our church. Thank you, Marianne for all you do.
