Saralee Canfield Millslagle

Saralee Canfield Millslagle, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at Lake Tahoe on July 5th, 2008.

Saralee was the matriarch of a longtime Santa Cruz family. She was a 4th generation Californian and a 3rd generation Santa Cruzan, born here on March 16th, 1931, to Laurence and Lucille Canfield. Saralee attended Santa Cruz High School, Castilleja High School Palo Alto and Stanford University before marrying Albert W. Rice in 1950. The busy years of raising four children followed, and Saralee took an active role in the community including Cub Scouts, Omega Nu, Daisies, Sunday School and PTA. She treasured the many friendships made along the way as they greatly enriched her life.

Saralee married Robert Millslagle in 1979. Together, they traveled extensively, visiting every continent except Antarctica. Their favorite destination was their home at Lake Tahoe. As grandchildren came along, summers at Tahoe were filled with family dinners, beach time and copious laughter. The happiest days were spent with grandchildren playing at the lake followed by an evening of good food and simply enjoying the natural beauty together.

Spending time enjoying family and friends was Saralee's top priority and she added vitality, charm and humor to any social gathering. People responded to the genuine interest she took in them and she especially loved to hear about their families. Her other passions included entertaining, travel, bridge and reading. Saralee enjoyed a wealth of knowledge about Santa Cruz's past and acted as a fabulous family historian. Moreover, she took great pleasure from her family connection with the Seaside Company and the special role the Boardwalk played in the community.

Saralee will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Robert, her children Jeffrey Rice, Janet Carnahan, Julie Kadavy Tom and Nancy Bradley; her step-children Bob Millslagle Barbara, Todd Millslagle Angie, and Jane Millslagle; her brother Charles Canfield Cheri; her niece Jennifer Canfield Dustin and nephew Tom Canfield Xochitl; grandchildren Karl Rice Lindsey, Lauren Rice, Courtney Carnahan Borus Patrick, Scott Carnahan, Annie Kadavy, Alison Kadavy, John Kadavy, Lauren Kadavy, Megan Bradley, Scott Millslagle and Connor Millslagle.

A celebration of Saralee's life will be held at 11 o'clock in the morning on Monday, July 14th, 2008 in the Bay View Room at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Dominican Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.