Marion Z. Miller SARATOGA SPRINGS-Marion Z. Miller of Maple Ave. died Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at her residence, surrounded by family. She was 86. Born on May 9, 1924 in Scotia, she was the daughter of the late Ulrich and Lisetta (Staub) Zuend. She moved to Saratoga Springs in 1942 and resided with her sister and brother-in-law, the late Agnes and Charles Flynn. A graduate of Scotia public schools, she followed with business school in the Capital District, then attended beauty school in New York City, while living with her sister and brother-in-law, Elsie and Andy Swartz. Upon returning to Saratoga Springs, she took over daily operations of the Agnes Beauty Salon at 1 Spring St. for two years. She married Dr. Perry S. Miller in March 1947 and assisted him in all facets of his veterinary practice prior to his retirement in 1973. Both Dr. and Mrs. Miller devoted much of their life to Saratoga Elks Lodge 161. Dr. Miller was a member for over 60 years and Marion supported all Elks lodge endeavors. In 1979, Marion with the help of Perry on a national level, organized the Elks Ladies Auxiliary. In 2009, Marion was awarded honors for her 30 years as founder and active charter member with outstanding achievement. A member of the First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs for 62 years, she was bestowed with the honor of Life Deacon and through the years she has served as a member of every church board: Deaconess, Deacons, Trustees, Mission Board, Sanctuary Memorial and Choir. She was still an active member of the Women's Council and Baptist Women's Group. Mrs. Miller organized the Thanksgiving dinner, complete with "Country Store", which included handmade crafts, baked and canned goods and a White Elephant sale which was operated by the church for years. She took the White Elephant sale to a new and permanent status when she and her husband founded the Thrift Shop known as the Baptist Bargain Basement, next to the church on Washington St . Marion and Perry built shelves, repaired cement, organized, coordinated and manned the Thrift Shop. Up until her recent illness she could still be found there on the first Thursday of every month. When the city of Saratoga Springs began holding First Night celebrations on New Year's Eve, the First Baptist Church embraced the idea with an open door, warm food and entertainment. Marion has been there every First Night, volunteering to bring success to the event. Mrs. Miller also brought success to other organizations that she volunteered her time to. As a member of the Town & Country Garden Club, she worked for years to accomplish saving the Red Spring on High Rock Ave. After surviving breast cancer 35 years ago, she organized the "Reach" program of Saratoga Springs, an outreach to women recovering from Breast Cancer surgery. She was instrumental in changing insurance coverage for prosthetic devices to include breast prosthesis and remaining active with Reach for over 10 years, was a lifelong advocate and supporter. Mrs. Miller was the widow of Dr. Perry S. Miller, DVM. She was also predeceased by four sisters and four brothers, Agnes Flynn of Saratoga Springs, Laura Zuend and Elizabeth Ward of Scotia and Elsie Swartz of Glendale,LI, Charles, William, John and William, all of Scotia. Survivors include one sister, Martha Knickerbocker (91) of Amsterdam; her nieces and nephews, Joann, Lynnda, Nick, Jeannie, Kathy, John, Jeff, David; Elsie's children, Andrea and Bill, William's son Bill and the 4 of Agnes', she shared as her own, Charles E. Flynn,Jr. of Rome, NY, Elizabeth Charlene Graham and Cynthia Flynn of Saratoga Springs and Jenifer Flynn of Las Vegas, NV; and additionally is survived by many grand and great-grandnieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at The First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs. The Ladies Auxiliary will meet at the church for a service at 6 p.m. and Margie Owens will sing a selection of spirituals. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at the church by the Rev. Carole Miller. Burial will follow in the family plot at Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club B.P.O.E.#161 & Ladies Auxiliary, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke and Sons /Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.