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LINCOLN-Marion Ruth Tucker Miller Cassens, 95, of Lincoln died at 8:31 p.m. March 20, 2014 at Christian Village, Lincoln, IL.

Marion was born September 12, 1918 in Joplin, MO, the daughter of Robert and Ruth Rayburn Tucker. Marion is survived by cousins Todd Mayo Stetler; Sharon Mills Eubank and Karen Marie Stetler, the daughters of her heart; Bob Eubank and John William Eubank.

Due to the challenging times of her youth, Marion lived with many family members, in numerous places. She often remarked that she was "raised by a committee." Reflecting her diverse youth, she was accomplished in many things: a "renaissance woman" with rich life works and experience.

A graduate of Kansas State University, in Home Economics, her eclectic career began during WWII. Due to her university chemistry, she went from a line inspector to manager of a quality control lab, at a munitions plant.

Socially and politically active, many of her subsequent life works focused on animals, children and others in need. She was the face of the veterinary practice of her first husband, Leonard J. "Doc" Miller, DVM; she was well known for raising long haired dachshunds, beginning with Hildegarde, a native of Germany. Active in 4-H, she taught young people how to handle animals. An incredible scratch cook and baker, she won the Illinois State Beef Cook-off in 1977 (judged and presented by Julia Child) for her delicious Hawaiian Beef and was a cooking judge at the State and Logan County Fairs. She was past president of the state cooking society and a popular teacher and speaker. Among the first to embrace microwave cooking, she taught legions of people how to use a microwave.

A member of St. John's United Church of Christ, she contributed to many church works. It was there she met the love of her life, John Franklin Cassens, whom she married in Freeport, IL on July 19, 1986.

She is preceded by her husband John, her parents, and sisters Edythe and Anabel.

Services celebrating her life will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday March 26, 2014 at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home with Rev. Jan Johnson and Ryan Edgecombe officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 A.M. prior to services. She will rest beside her beloved John at Rosehill Cemetery in Petersburg. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation to sponsor G-Hope, a specially bred German Shepherd whose life work will be as the eyes for and companion of a blind person.