Marianne Miller passed away Aug. 11, 2023, in Olympia, Washington. She was born Nov. 18, 1942, to Benignus Staiber and Franziska Rosalia Staiber in Stuttgart, Germany. She married Bud McDougal on Oct. 18, 1963, and they had three children and she immigrated to the U.S. Later, she married Burt Miller on April 10, 1975, in Elma, Washington.

While living in Germany, Marianne was a volunteer for the Red Cross. After moving to the U.S., she worked for Weyerhaeuser Tree Farm and was a bus driver for the Elma School District. She spent most of her career working for the U.S. Postal Service.

Marianne loved her family above all else. She was very nurturing, especially of her children and family. She had a genuine soft spot in her heart for children. If you had children, you could expect a pair of knitted slippers from her. Marianne was strong and not afraid to speak up. She also was proud and hardworking, a trait she instilled in her children.

She was an awesome cook, especially her German pot roast and gravy, spatzle and sauerkraut. She would never let anyone leave her home hungry. She loved to turn up her German music while cleaning the house; she also loved listening to ABBA and the Bee Gees. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Catholic church.

Marianne is survived by her husband, Burt Miller of Elma; sons, Mike McDougal (wife Amity) of Rochester, and Pat Miller of Elma; daughters all of Elma, Debi Scott (husband,Bill), Michaela Balderston (husband, Rich), Cathy Ayres, and Cindy Hill; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Wolfe Staiber of Germany; and sister, Brigitte Ganzer of Germany. She was predeceased by her parents, sister, Irmgard Aubele; and brother, Manny Staiber.

Please, no flowers. Memorial donations may be made to an Alzheimer’s research organization.

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