Marla Kathleen Misamore's Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce Marla Kathleen Misamore of Fayetteville, Arkansas was called home to the Lord on May 18, 2026. She was born on November 4, 1953 in Los Angeles, California, the youngest of four to her beloved parents Raymond and Muriel Misamore. She was raised in the town of Glendora, and shared a beautiful childhood with her brother Dennis, and sisters Shawn and Raelyn, of California.
She graduated from Glendora High in 1971 and proudly worked at General Telephone alongside her father for the next 18 years. There, she developed a tremendous work ethic and made the best friendships of her lifetime. In 1989, she left all she had ever known and settled into the hills of Arkansas, where her parents had come to retire, to raise her daughter in a quieter place. She fell in love with the beauty of the Ozarks and made it their home.
She continued her work in energy management systems for over 12 years at Novar Controls, where she again found great success. Throughout this time she was an extraordinary, dedicated single mother, overcoming every adversity through the grace of God, with her cherished daughter by her side. She finished her career at the University of Arkansas, where she remained for 14 years until her retirement at age 62.
She spent the last decade of her life pursuing her passions in drawing and crafting, reading voraciously, and honing her talent for great finds and her incredible tact for gift giving. But, most importantly, she was free to be a devoted Amma to her four grandchildren, whom she adored. They were the center of her world and her greatest joy in life.
Her final memories were made on a trip back to the beaches she so loved, and in the garden or enjoying sunsets with her family. She will be remembered by her loved ones most of all for her heart. She was incredibly kind. She truly cared for people and always, always gave of herself to others. She was a dreamer. Brilliant. Beautiful, inside and out.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, dearest friends, and the love of her life. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer DeRose and husband Christopher Milligan, and their children Conor, Juliet, Adelie, and Bree Kathleen, of Fayetteville, as well as three nieces and five nephews.
A private family ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026. In honor of her memory, please practice kindness. You may correspond with condolences, pictures or stories of Marla, to her family at P.O. Box 1066, Fayetteville, AR 72702. Forever in our hearts, you are written in the stars.
To leave an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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