Lorraine McMillan

Lorraine McMillan, born Feb. 3, 1928, in Spokane, Wash., passed away peacefully in her home the morning of Dec. 5, 2023.

Lorraine grew up on the dairy farm her parents owned near Four Lakes, Wash. She was married to high school chum and neighbor Ted McMillan in 1945. They continued farming with E.F. McMillan and sons, eventually on their own with wheat, dairy, and beef cattle. It was a busy life, raising 4 children, Steve, Carol, Dave, and Judy. Lorraine was an excellent horsewoman, we heard stories of some spectacular rides over the bluffs in the channel scablands after wiley beeves.

She was a 4-H leader for a number of years so area children could show their dairy calves at fairs at the 4-Lakes Grange and the Spokane Interstate Fair.

For a time she was the bookkeeper for the Cheney Implement Company when the family owned the business. Later she enjoyed working the Christmas season at the Crescent department store. She completed her work life in food service at Eastern Washington University. Students who worked with her still ask after her when the see a family member.

During a time of self discover following a divorce from Ted she earned her GED and took up ball room dancing, winning a prized trophy for the tango at a state competition. She enjoyed her garden, travel to Europe and Alaska with friends and hunting for treasure at the local thrifts.

Lorraine was the youngest of her generation, her brothers and sisters have gone on before; James Owen, Lucia Jenkins, Molly Krueger, and Granville Owen.

Lorraine spent her last years enjoying her home and family and beloved pets. Some of her last comforting touch was provided by a little dog who was her love and defender for the last 5 years.

The family will plan a memorial gathering when the weather is fair