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Marlys Millhiser
1938 - 2017
Marlys Millhiser
1938 - 2017
Obituary
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Marlys Millhiser Obituary
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Veronica
August 12, 2024
Veronica
August 12, 2024
Veronica
August 12, 2024
Veronica
August 12, 2024
On a whim, I decided to Google Marlys Millhiser, one of my favorite authors, and was saddened to learn of her passing. Like many others who have left messages, I fell in love with her work after discovering The Mirror. As a shy, introverted teenager, I often retreated to my room to lose myself in books. One day, while grocery shopping with my parents, I wandered off to the books and magazines section, where a lone, out-of-place book caught my eye. It was The Mirror, the only copy on the shelf. I persuaded my parents to buy it for me, and it remains one of my favorites to this day. I went on to read her other books, including The Threshold and the Charlie Greene series.
As a graphic designer, one of my passions is reimagining the covers of my favorite books. Quite a few years ago, I decided to pay homage to Marlys Millhiser by reimagining the covers of The Mirror, Nella Waits, and The Threshold, which I´ve shared below.
Thank you, Marlys Millhiser, for the joy you brought to me and many others.
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Jeffrey M. Lloyd
April 21, 2024
I'm so sorry for the loss of your wife and mother, and grandmother! It must have been tuff to see a brilliant mind fade away...she was known to rest of us as an awesome writer! I had no idea that she had passed. Such an impact she made to the rest us, who didn't know her personally! Again I apologize for the late condolences (7 years) but I am very sorry for your loss.... Jeffrey m. Lloyd
Katherine Diener
February 11, 2024
I read "Nella Waits" in the early 70´s and gave never forgotten it. Much respect, Marlys Millheiser. A wonderful author!
Sharon
October 5, 2023
I hope family still checks this once in a while because I'd like them to know how much enjoyment "The Mirror" has brought me over the years! I was glad to see there are others like me who loved this book. I am a college professor and read extensively. Her writing was wonderful! The Mirror was so well thought out and written. I just began reading it again (first time was in 1979 when I was in high school) and it is just as good every time. I was sad to see she had passed and that she'd had Alzheimers. She obviously thought deeply about life to have written such a book.
Tina
July 28, 2023
I read Ms. Millhiser's book 'The Mirror ' in high school. Just came upon it accidentally. I loved it so much that I named my daughter Shay in 1993. I wrote Ms. Millhiser and told her about my daughter. I found a library copy of 'The Mirror ' at a sale once and purchased it, but also bought a paperback version directly from Marlys. She wrote in it for me and I'll treasure it always, and hand it down to Shay. I would love to have known her personally.
Dee L Blakley
March 28, 2023
The Mirror was the first novel I red by Marlys Millhiser and it began my move affair with time travel - a twist in fiction genre I seek out whenever I can. My copy of The Mirror will remain in my library forever.
Gigi
February 21, 2023
I just want to say this. Many, many years ago, I read the mirror. And honestly, it changed my life. Kudos to her. I just wish I would have thought to tell her while she was still alive. What a great book. That book really did change the way I look at life. Godspeed girlfriend!
Jamie Bishop
November 25, 2022
I am just now starting to read The Mirror again. I have read it every year since 1978. Thought I would look up the author of my all time favorite book and found this. I know this probably doesn't mean much but your Mother's book got me through a lot. May she rest in peace.
TERRY ROBINSON (son- Jay)
April 22, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
TERRY ROBINSON (son- Jay)
April 22, 2021
This is Terry Robinson and I spent a nice Christmas lunch with Marlys in the old Boulder Hotel. I read all of her books and have very fond memories of my friendship with her.
Nannette Iatesta
January 21, 2021
I just saw this notice...so very sad, but I am happy to say that I retired after 30 years of teaching history, thanks to the inspiration Marlys provided for this Lafayette 8h grader more than a half century ago. I have often thought of her through the years. She was a force for good and a bright star in our small high school. My most sincere sympathy to your entire family.
Nannette Summers Iatesta
Carolyn Korkmas
September 7, 2020
Marlys's book, The Mirror, is my favorite novel written in the last 50 years! I have loaned my copy to many friends and it is so worn out, but still I cannot discard it. She was an amazing writer with a vivid imagination. I am sorry to say that I never met her.
Barbara Muller
July 2, 2020
I heard of Nederland while visiting Boulder, Colorado. After some research, I learned about The Mirror and its local author. I obtained a copy of the book and later visited Nederland, the National
Center for Atmospheric Research, and the Victorian House. This book and its characters and locales has stayed with me and I re-read it often. Thank you, Marlys.
Mary Hodges
February 10, 2019
I had recently gotten my copy of the book The Mirror, out of my collection of books, to read for a forth time. This is one of my favorite books. I was wondering if Marlys was still living and I found her obituary . So sad to hear of her passing. She was an awesome author. God bless her family and friends ❤
George Wills
January 10, 2019
I just found out about the passing of Marlys, and I am very sad to hear this. Many years ago, I wrote her a letter as a fan of The Mirror, which I had borrowed from a neighbor and had read one Winter when it came out in 1978.
In my letter to her, dated sometime in the late 90's, I explained to her that she had had a profound subconscious impact upon my own writing, many years later. She wroten me back, and had explained about her daughter's recent injury, as well as a new series of books about a character named CHARLIE, if memory serves... It was great to get a letter from her, and I still have it in my copy of NIGHTMARE COUNTRY.
I had not consciously even thought about her book since I had read it in 1979.
From 1989 until 1991, ten years later, I wrote five women's fiction novels, as I explained to her in my letter.
And then...
I was in a used book store in Deland, Florida, in 1993 when a white copy of the book, THE MIRROR, was to be found on the shelves.
I had begun collecting books by that time, and so I bought it, and re-read it again.
Imagine my shock and surprise when I discovered... upon re-reading her book... the following:
All five of my own books were in the same style as The Mirror.
Two strong female leads, one recessive and one dominant.
One desperately trying to become the other, in some way.
In the first two books, the characters are named RACHEL, BRANDY, SHAYE, CINDY (Sin), and K. (for Kainna (Kay-I-na)).
But it was the cover of the book which got my attention the most; the WHITE version. The oval mirror and a painting of a particularly striking young woman's face taking up the entire mirror.
It was the EXACT image that I had had in my mind's eye of CHATTEE DAWSON in 1991 from THE PURSUIT OF SUNDOWN, my fourth novel and only western.
I just could never remember where I had seen that image before.
I had actually used a drawing that I had done of Alicia Silverstone on the cover of the book, but the REAL Chattee Dawson was this image, here.
Remember, this was in the days before the internet.
And while I have written a number of books after this time, I never wrote any again like those five.
And just tonight, I was going to try and write to her again, to ask her if she knew where that cover art had come from, and who had provided the painted image for her book.
And that was when her obituary was revealed to me.
And again, I am very sorry to hear this about her.
I lost my brother that same year, in November.
George Roland Wills
Shay
March 6, 2018
I am sad to find Marlys' passing, even if a year later. Thanks to my mother picking up "The Mirror" whilst pregnant with me, I avoided the fate of being named Jessica. Thank you for that, Marlys, and thank you a great read and a great character in Shay Garrett. RIP.
Jamie Butner
February 17, 2018
For Marlys, I didn't know her but I'll miss having to know they're won't be any more books written by her.
Debbie Overbeck
January 16, 2018
I am reading her book The Mirror for the fifth time. I bought it in 1979 and it is the only book I have kept and I reread it every few years. I was going to write and tell her how much I loved it and was sad to see she had passed. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. She was loved as an author and will be missed.
December 13, 2017
We are reading The Mirror in our book club. She remains a beloved author
Wendy Guida
December 9, 2017
I read The Mirror when I was 10 and it was a book I took with me everywhere. I read and reread it so many times. I was thinking of it today and thought of writing to Ms. Millhiser to tell her how important her book was to me all through my teen years, only to find that she so recently passed away. I hope her family finds some comfort in knowing what an impact she made on people with her work. I wish I could have told her. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family.
Karen
October 30, 2017
I just learned of her passing. She wrote some of my favorite books, including Michael's Wife. I had the great thrill to meet her twice in Boulder, CO in the 1980's while visiting my brother. She was very gracious to allow me this pleasure. My thoughts go out to the family.
Kerry O'Leary
October 28, 2017
Just found her books a few years ago, read "The Mirror" "Michael' s Wife" "Willing Hostage" and "Nella Waits". I like how she used Iowa and Colorado in some of her books. She seemed like a lovely person, condolences to her family
August 24, 2017
Sad to know Marlys passed away, I read her book Michael's Wife years ago, gave my copy to someone and never received it back. When I tried to purchase it again it was out of print. Then one day I found it on kindle and purchased it and have read it many time, my favorite book of any book I've ever read God bless your wife and mom. Ps I also read the mirror and willing hostage. Michael's Wife was the first book I ever read.
Alice Kober
July 14, 2017
I met Marlys years ago at a Mystery Writers of America dinner. She was so kind to new writers, warm and witty. I loved her books, especially The Mirror, which was an extraordinary book. I was thinking about her today because I missed being able to buy her books for our library district. I googled her and learned that she had died after battling Alzheimer's. She will be missed by many.
Dawn Banks
June 27, 2017
I never met Marlys but her book The Mirror is my very favorite book ever. I emailed her once to tell her that and was so pleased when she wrote me back. (star-struck actually!) I am so sorry she has passed and hope the happy memories of her make her family and friends smile in the years to come.
Kay Clark
June 21, 2017
I only knew Marlys through her books. After I read The Mirror I made an effort to read all her books. I have a complete collection of the books and have a few of the short stories. I am so sorry that there will be no more. She had something special.
Phyllis Brown
June 1, 2017
I had the privilege of knowing Marlys from book signings at my store and from mystery conventions. I loved the newsletter she wrote. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was great fun to be with. I also admired her strength and resilience when disaster struck a member of her family. It seemed there was nothing she couldn't cope with. I am sorry for what she went through in recent years and deeply saddened to hear that she is gone. The world is a sadder place without her. My sincere condolences go to her family.
May 31, 2017
Thank you for the many hours of enjoyment, reading your stories. My condolences to your friends and family.
Beverly, a reader
Janet Dawson
May 31, 2017
I just learned about Marlys's death. She was a wonderful writer and friend. I treasure my copies of her books, including one that she gave to me because she knew I liked it so much.
Joan Hess
May 31, 2017
Marlys was a joy to all. I am so sorry that we have lost her.
Julie Herman
May 31, 2017
I just heard this sad news. I met Marlys at Malice Domestic through Megan Bladen-Blinkoff, the inaugural editor of the Femmes Fatales newsletter. Marlys was charming, hilarious, and most graciously welcoming to this then-closeted writer. When I sold my first book, she was again charming, hilarious and most graciously welcoming to me. Always herself. Always wonderful. My profound sympathy for this loss.
Charlaine Harris
May 31, 2017
Thinking about Marlys, her charm and her talent.
Toni Kelner
May 30, 2017
I hadn't seen Marlys in years, and just now found out about her death. She and I did a newsletter as part of the Femmes Fatales for several years, and did many events together. She was always a treat to be around, and her books were just wonderful.
I'm so very sorry for her loss.
Orie Voth
April 29, 2017
Sorry Dave, I wish the best for you going forward..
Orie
Stephanie Wenger
April 29, 2017
Having recently re-read my favorites of her books, I was very sad to hear of Ms. Millhiser's passing. She had a singular talent wrapped up with a wonderful sense of character and excellent writing. She was a terrific Colorado ambassador. My condolences to her friends and family. Her books are timeless. May she long be remembered and honored.
April 26, 2017
I did not know her but I so loved all of the books she wrote. I think "The Mirror" was my favorite but I enjoyed then all. I am so glad she gave up teaching to write.
SIncerely,
Mollie Morton
Boulder
April 23, 2017
Deepest sympathy to the entire family, Marlys was a lady of talent, grace and warmth. I feel fortunate to have known her as a friend. Lorna Greene
April 23, 2017
Joy and David. I am truly sorry to hear that Marlys passed away. She was truly a great person to know and listen too. I will never forget how much she loved her new home; especially her kitchen. The years I knew her were so special to myself and my family. Especially my son Chris; whom she gave great advise towards his writing career. Hold her memory close and know that now she no longer has the pain and agony of a horrid disease.
Sandy Ransom
Tom Schantz
April 23, 2017
Missing her
April 21, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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