Mary Lou McMillen

Mary Louise McMillen, age 81, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2015 at her home in Otis, Oregon. She was born to the late Charles and Gladys (Cutler) Davis, on November 29, 1933 in Dallas, OR at the historical Cutler home. Mary Lou grew up in Lincoln City, OR. She graduated from the Seventh Day Adventist Academy in Battle Ground, WA in 1950. After high school, she married her first husband, James Sweitz, and gave birth to their six children; Debra, James B., Randy, Robert, Timothy, and Kerry. Mary Lou married the love of her life, Arnold McMillen, with his two children, Phil and Carolyn, on October 17, 1964. They raised eight children on the family dairy farm in Otis. While working on the farm, Mary Lou, was employed by North Lincoln Hospital as a nurses' assistant. She also attended school to be a rehabilitation nurse for stroke patients. Her loving and caring nature, along with her nursing experience and education helped her in providing high quality care to her husband when he was battling the debilitation of multiple sclerosis. Mary Lou led a busy and adventurous life with Arnold; not only running the dairy farm and raising eight children, but also climbing all of the mountains in the Northwest. When he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1976, they set out on their next adventure horseback riding with packed mules. Over the next several years, they rode the Pacific Crest Trail from Castle Crags, CA to the Canadian border. They also competed in endurance races all over the Northwest and Arizona. With the help of their daughter, Debra Hurd, Lincoln City was put on the map of the horse world with the Driftwood Derby; two days of horse riding events including a 14 mile endurance race. Mary Lou and Arnold wintered in Yuma, AZ exploring the desert on horseback. Mary Lou was a faithful member of her church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Lincoln City. She enjoyed decorating the church's foyer, being an elder, and singing in the church's choir. Mary Lou was very talented in the arts; writing biographies, painting, singing, and playing the piano, organ and accordion. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her spouse of 47 years, Arnold (2011); her son, Randy (1978); her brother and sister, Chancey (2008) and Olga (about 1929). Mary Lou is survived by her daughters, Debra (Frank) Hurd of Otis and Carolyn (Gary) Flock of Lyons, OR; sons, James B. (Tamara) Sweitz of Otis, Robert Sweitz of Otis, Timothy (Rachel) Sweitz of Forest Grove, OR, Kerry (Laura) Sweitz of Otis and Phil McMillen of Salem, OR; her 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; and her beloved Daschunds, A leta and Ardie. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Pacific View Memorial Chapel in Lincoln City. A memorial service will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Lincoln City, 2335 NE 22nd, on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Greg Brothers officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Hurd, 2981 SE Hill Road, Otis. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Samaritan North Lincoln Hospice for their care and support in Mary Lou's final days, and to all the family and friends that came together and offered their graciousness helping her last days to be memorable. Mary Lour was ready to return home to her Maker, be reunited with her beloved Arnold and son, Randy. Along with all her family and friends that had passed before her. She is singing with the angels now holding her loved ones hands and hearts. Mary Lou will be missed dearly, but surely not forgotten for she was a mother to us all.

Tributes

Mary Lou McMillen

November 29, 1933 - July 10, 2015