Marla Zelene Harman departed this life on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, May 25, 2025, from her beloved Sugarbottom residence in Upper Tract, West Virginia. She was born on January 9, 1957, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the daughter of the late John and Mary Pauline (Ruddle) Harman. Her childhood was filled with love and the strongest of bonds with her older siblings, John R. (Johnny) Harman and the late Paula Harman Raynar. Her days at the Harman farm were filled with joy - especially time spent with her pony and swimming in any puddle big enough to hold water. She was a proud 4-Her and greatly enjoyed it throughout her youth.

A Franklin High School Panther through and through, she loved her alma mater and graduated with the class of 1975. Her next step was Bridgewater College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in both history and political science in 1979. Law school at West Virginia University followed where she earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1982 and was admitted to the West Virginia State Bar.

Zelene's legal career spanned forty-three years during which time she served as a Guardian ad Litem tasked with protecting the interest of children involved in the legal system. She advocated fiercely for thousands of abused and neglected children during her career and was the bright light during their darkest moments. She always enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing "her kids" happy and watching them grow into successful adults. Zelene also took great joy in her many friendships in the legal community. She was the current President of the South Branch Valley Bar Association and loved the comradery of the local bar.

A history buff, Zelene had also served in numerous roles in the Pendleton County Historical Society. Additionally she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and member and past president of the Daughters of the Confederacy chapter in Highland County, Virginia.

Zelene also enjoyed many interests. She was an avid Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiast and spent many happy days on horseback. Her beloved horses - Jack, Stretch, Benny, and Thunder, no doubt greeted her upon her return home.  She was an excellent hostess and so enjoyed getting people together at her Sugarbottom home in Upper Tract to celebrate important life events of her family and friends. Her Halloween parties were always a hit and she so loved to host the children of the community for trick or treat fun. She was a fan of astronomy, swimming holes, drive-ins, gardening, antique stores, and road trips to her favorite Florida hot springs.

Her greatest love by far was her husband, Max Baer Miller, Jr., her college sweetheart and life-long love. Reunited later in life and never ones to let an opportunity for a good story pass them by, Max and Zelene were married in the Buncombe County Detention Center, Asheville, North Carolina, on December 28, 2015. Max and Zelene spent many happy times together and enjoyed being at home with their pets Jorge, Leonie, and Thumper.

Zelene is survived by her husband Max; brother and sister-in-law, Johnny and Honey Harman; brother-in-law Karl Raynar; step-daughter, Courtney Branch-Clark (Vincent); father and mother-in-law, Max and Goldie Miller; nieces and nephews: Sarah Crider (Tony); Betsy Dean; Jonathan Harman; John Preston Harman (Gayle); John Karl Raynar (Alice); and Laurel Raynar, and numerous great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by cherished friends and extended family whom she loved dearly. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents are her sister, Paula Raynar; nephew, Tony Dean; and step-son, Max Baer Miller, III.

Services will be held on June 7, 2025, at the Franklin Presbyterian Church, Franklin, West Virginia. The family will receive friends at the church from noon until 2:00 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Deborah Beam officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pendleton County 4-H Fund, PO Box 96, Franklin, West Virginia 26807, or to the Corey Simmons Memorial Scholarship Fund, 162 Gold Nugget Drive, Franklin, West Virginia 26807.   Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.