Eugene H. "Gene" Miller

MILLER,
Eugene H. "Gene"
(Age 78)

A 41 year resident of the Colville, WA area, passed away on Feb. 4, 2011 in Colville. Gene was born on April 30, 1932 in Fairfield, WA the son of Henry and Adelia (Gehrke) Miller.
Gene was raised on the family dairy farm in Fairfield. He attended Waverly Grade School and graduated in 1950 from Fairfield High School. For the next two years, Gene worked for a local farmer and at the Waverly grain elevator. In 1952, he entered the U.S. Army and served in Japan during his tour overseas. Gene was honorably discharged and returned to Fairfield where he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Stender on April 24, 1955. They resided at the family dairy ranch for two years before moving to Spokane. Gene soon began a farm of his own, raising cattle in Pleasant Prairie area. In 1970, the ranch was sold and Gene moved his family to Colville, WA. Gene continued his cattle ranching at the new family ranch, as well as, worked outside the home. He worked for many local businesses including the Boise Lumber Company for nine years and Whitten Oil as a truck driver for 13 years. Gene retired from Whitten Oil in 1997.
Gene had a tireless work ethic. He based the value of day by the amount of work he accomplished. His children reminisce of their childhood spent working alongside of their father. Gene's main interest in life was farming and raising cattle. He knew each animal, its past, present and history. The favorite animals he also named. Gene loved to hunt, often walking with his dog from home from on Hangman Creek to Waverly hoping to get a few pheasants and often successful. Gene also enjoyed deer hunting and made the experience fun, exciting and a story worth telling.
Gene was a longtime member of the Grange, holding many offices including, Junior, Subordinate and Pomona Granges.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Adelia, and his brothers, Bob and Harvey.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Miller, at the home; son, Greg Miller, Davenport, WA; daughter, Dana Rasberry and husband, Ron; grandchildren, Andy and Carin Miller and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Mr. Eugene "Gene" Miller, will begin at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 10, 2011 at the Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Colville. Memorial contributions may be given to Providence Mount Carmel Hospital. Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. DANEKAS FUNERAL CHAPEL and CREMATORY, 155 W. First Ave., Colville, WA is entrusted with the arrangements.