Gwen Millager

Gwen Millager was born Oct. 31, 1933, in New York City. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, William R. Millager of the home; and two daughters, Barbara Martin of Portland, Ore., and Abby Ann Millager of Newark, Del.; and three grandchildren. Gwen passed away Dec. 3, 2012, in Bentonville. She graduated in 1954 from Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., and was known as a political activist after living in Benton County for more than a quarter of a century. Her community leadership positions began in 1987 within the Rogers Farmers Market and in 1988 it was held at the Dixieland Mall; the Millager family involvement brought the market to incorporation as the Rogers Fresh Growers Association doing business as the Rogers Farmers Market. During those years, Gwen was involved in many service organizations: tutor Beaver Lake Literacy Council, volunteer for SCAN, Master Gardener in Washington and Benton counties. She was also a member of the Rogers Garden Club and served as vice president/program chair for one year, also a member of the Organic Garden Club and a member of Partner of the Americas, concentrating on East Bolivia. Later she was secretary of the Benton County Historical Society and a supporter of the Hispanic Women's Organization of Arkansas. With her husband, many scholarship efforts were supported. In 2006, the Benton County Democratic Women named her Woman of the Year. The Millagers have been members of the First Presybertian Church of Rogers since 2008 and have participated in the Discovery Class at Sunday school. Memorial contribution to Circle of Life Hospice. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolence, www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.