Harry H. Miller
courtesy photo
Harry Miller
RONAN — Harry H. Miller, (Dad, Grampa Harry, Papa Guy, Butch, Uncle Harry, Big Harry), was born March 6, 1922, in Baker, Montana to Harry Homer Miller and Effie Lela Brooks Miller. He moved to the Ronan area around the age of 10, eventually purchasing an 80-acre farm in Round Butte where he put down roots for a lifetime. He entered new and eternal life on Friday, June 17, 2016, still at home on his farm, surrounded by loving family.
During his 94-year journey, Dad packed in about as much living, laughing and loving as one person could. Childhood on a ranch in far eastern Montana, Depression years working side by side with his mother to make ends meet for the family, a proud Marine serving during World War II, cattle farmer, butcher, meat salesman, mill worker, a neighbor always willing to help, and a founding member of the Pablo Church of the Nazarene.
October 23, 1948, Dad married the love of his life, Rosemary T. Doyle, together creating a family of nine children. His incredible work ethic and surpassing love of family are his legacy to his children.
Family members who rejoiced in welcoming him at his entry into new life include his wife, Rosemary, children Mike and Frances, grandson Michael, siblings Pat, Albert and Nona, and niece Julie.
Family members who continue to celebrate his life and mourn his passing include his children: Leah and Don Emerson, Jeanne Miller, Kathy and Gerry Green, Sheila and Matt Softich, Jim Miller, David and Susie Miller, and Steve and Debbie Miller. Dad’s grandchildren and greatgrandchildren abound, literally by the dozens including grandchildren Matthew Emerson, Nick (Casey) Emerson, Chris (Sarah) Emerson, Joe (Tina) Miller, Becky Miller, Michaela Green, Wyatt Green, Emma Softich, Zachary Walder, Logan Miller, Landon Miller, Jamie ( Judd) Strowbridge, Hagan (Mekaila) Schmidt, Shea Miller, Dax Miller, Jack Miller, Hannah Miller, and Joshua Miller. His reat-grandchildren include Hunter and Holden Emerson, Carson and Madison Emerson, Abi Miller, Kooper and Paisley Strowbridge, Avery, Aiden and Jack Schmidt, and one new great-granddaughter on the way.
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren were created by birth, by choice, and by invitation. This multitude of young people that Harry surrounded himself with and viewed with pride, live as close as Ronan and as far away as Europe, Australia and Asia. Once you called him “Grampa” you were a grandchild for life...and you all know who you are!
Dad is also survived by his brother Paul (Virginia) Miller and daughter-in-law Kathy Miller, sisters-in-law Clara and Mildred as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Although not rich in dollars or famous, he was held in high esteem, loved and admired by all. He loved being harassed and teased by those who knew him, and he gave as good as he got. Hugs were his trademark and everyone was welcomed into his home with open arms.
A celebration of Dad’s life will take place Friday July 8 at 11 a.m. at the Terrace Lake Community Church in Ronan, followed by an open house at the family farm, 45502 Back Road., from 12:30-4 p.m. Arrangements made by Shrider-Thompson Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Harry’s name to Lake County Home Options Hospice or to the Marine Corp. Toys for Tots program.
