Motley, Miriam Joyce (Anderson) 1930 - 2018

MOTLEY, ANDERSON, LEA, HOLMQUIST, SWEET, MEYER, RALSTON, DOTY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:42

Miriam Joyce (Anderson) Motley died at home surrounded by her loving family after a brave battle with cancer in Decorah, Iowa on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at the age of 88.

Miriam is survived by husband Gene Motley of 61 years and children Mary (Tony) Lea of Decorah, IA; Mike (Robin) Motley of Duluth, MN; Judy (Tim) Holmquist, of St. Louis Park, MN, Kay Motley of St. Louis Park, MN, Trinna (Steve) Sweet of New Auburn, WI; and Joni (Layne) Meyer of West Union, IA; her grandchildren whom she loved very much: Zach, Maria, Andy, Ellen, Erin, Kelsey, Hannah, Emma, Lucas, Kyle and Seth; brother Jim (Greta) Anderson of Eugene, OR; sister Jeanette Ralston of Renton, WA; and many nieces, nephews and greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by parents Elmer and Nellie Faye Anderson, brother Dean Anderson, and sister Judy Doty.

Miriam was born on December 4, 1930, in Austin, MN. She was the Tri-State Marble Champion at the age of 9 in 1939, beating out her sister’s 16-year-old boyfriend. She graduated from high school in Eugene, OR in 1949 and attended the University of Oregon in Eugene studying interior design. She lived in Turkey for 6 months with her parents and sister, Judy. She worked as a librarian in the Hormel corporate office in Austin where she met Gene Motley. They married April 6, 1957 and moved to Decorah, Iowa, where she became a homemaker and mother. Together they raised five daughters and one son.

Miriam will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with family, especially at the cabin on Sand Lake near New Auburn, Wisconsin. She enjoyed reading, putting together puzzles, pontoon rides, garage saling, shopping with her daughters and going out to eat. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and her many “Miriam-isms.” She loved jewelry and the gems her dad collected. She raised animal lovers and always welcomed our pets into her home. She was patient, loving and kind and belongs on the highest pedestal. She was loved by her family and friends and will be forever missed.

Per Miriam’s wishes, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

We would like to send special thanks to the WMC Hospice caregivers, especially Jill and Emily, who would make Miriam’s eyes light up every time they entered her home.

Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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