Ruth E Miller

In loving memory of Ruth Ellen Miller, a cherished soul whose life story weaves through the tapestry of American history and leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and faith. Ruth was born into the harsh realities of the Great Depression and the devastating Dust Bowl on April 29, 1933. Her early years on a dry farm in Oklahoma were marked by simplicity, hardship, and her family's pioneering spirit.

Ruth was part of “The Silent Generation.” This generation grew up during a period of war and economic depression, so its personality could be seen as silenced or muted by these events. However, anyone who knew Ruth knew she was the exception to the rule. She embodied what it means to be an American, and her personality was anything but muted.

Raised in a humble 2 room dugout, where the kitchen windows were at ground level, Ruth's family battled the elements and economic despair, which helped develop her sense of relentless tenacity and unwavering determination. Her father, a WWI veteran marred by the physical and mental scars of war, and her mother, a woman of strength and ingenuity, taught Ruth the values of hard work, perseverance, and faith.

Her family's struggles were a backdrop to Ruth's developing character. Witnessing her father's battle with the aftermath of war and her mother's relentless spirit in the face of adversity taught Ruth valuable lessons about strength, courage, and faith. These early experiences shaped her into a woman who faced life's challenges with great determination.

Ruth's life was punctuated by moments of joy, difficulty and adversity. From being caught in a terrifying black duster storm to the warmth of a community gathered at the Morning Star Church, her life was a testament to her endurance. She recounted tales of adventure and misadventure with her siblings, from nearly freezing in a blizzard to encountering the wildlife that shared their land.

Her journey through education and into adulthood was marked by the same resilience and determination she learned as a child. She excelled academically, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. Her achievements in school were a source of pride and a testament to her belief in the power of education.

Her early experiences of survival and community shaped Ruth into a woman of unusual depth, character and compassion. Calling Ruth “strong-willed” is a gross understatement. As she navigated the challenges of youth, including the poignant realities of illness within her family and the broader community, Ruth's resilience always shone brightly.

A chance encounter led to her marriage to George Baker Miller, a union of 65 years that was a testament to shared values and mutual respect. Together, they built a life filled with the joys of family, the satisfaction of hard work, and the comfort of faith. Ruth's journey from the fields of Oklahoma to the mountains of Idaho was marked by love, loss, and the ceaseless pursuit of connection and a better life and community for her family.

Ruth was bestowed with many honours and awards over the course of her life, far too many to list here. Of particular note is that Ruth was the first woman to serve on the boards of both the United Dairymen of Idaho and the National United Dairy Industry Association. In 1986 she was the first Dairy Woman named to the Idaho Dairy Hall of Fame. An honour reflective of her commitment to “Always try to represent my people back home”. She also received an invitation to and attended President George Bush senior’s inaugural ball.

Ruth is survived by her sons Brad and Anthony Miller and their spouses, Debbie and Terry, respectively, six grandsons, and one granddaughter, their spouses and many great-grandchildren. We extend our deepest sympathies to those who knew and loved Ruth. May her memory inspire us to live with the same strength, love, determination and faith she embodied. Let us carry forward the lessons she taught throughout her life, honouring her memory by expressing the virtues she lived by.

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