Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Rita Miller Obituary
Homemaker
LAKELAND - Rita Anne Gibson Miller, 69, passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2011, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Rita was born in Great Falls, SC, and moved to Lakeland with her family in 1945. She was preceded in death by her mother, Valeta, and her father, Reuben Gibson, a former mayor of Lakeland.
She is survived by her husband, Dick Miller, son Corey (Jaimi) Miller of Lakeland, daughter, Missy (Justin) Carpenter of San Antonio, TX, stepsons Jim Miller of Hendersonville, NC, and Joe Miller of Lakeland, grandchildren, Peyton and C.J. Miller of Lakeland and Addie Carpenter of San Antonio, nephew, Mark Johnson and niece Meredith (Sean) Herb of Savannah, GA., and niece Amanda (Lamar) Russo of Charleston, SC.
Rita graduated from Lakeland High School and attended Florida State University. She was a volunteer at her children's schools and was an active member of the Needlework Guild for many years. She also worked at A Special Touch gift shop and Dillard's. She enjoyed relaxing at the beach, reading and gardening.
Visitation will be held at Heath Funeral Chapel Tribute Center, 328 S. Ingraham Ave., Lakeland, Florida on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 5-7 PM. Services will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 301 North Florida Ave, Lakeland, on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3 PM. Reception to follow at the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church or to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL. 33823.
Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.heathfuneralchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Miller
Emil & Grace Di Motta
May 26, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We all will miss Rita's quick smile and wit. May she rest in peace.
George and Melanie Mitchell
May 25, 2011
"Rita was such a courageous woman and will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched. In her memory, we are planting a Dogwood tree on the creek at the farm in Turners, MO. Each year when it blooms, we know Rita will be smiling."
Jim Thomas
May 25, 2011
Rita was a wonderful friend and a beautiful person. I enjoyed working with her at Dillards. She will be sadly missed. My condolences to her family.
Theresa Craig
May 25, 2011
Sending prayers for your family during this difficult time. Mrs Miller was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed. I know she is smiling with the angels!
Mary Ann (Kalal) Brooks
May 25, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Miller family. I have such wonderful memories of Rita Anne and Joye as young girls. We grew up together on Belvedere Ave and Banks PL. She loved the purple and painted her bedroom that color.
Roi and Vicki Cornish
May 25, 2011
Dick, sorry for your loss.
Rachel Goldizen Hardin & Associates, PA
May 24, 2011
Mr. Miller, Corey, Missy and Family,
Extending my deepest sympathy on the loss of Mrs. Miller. I am praying that your faith in God will guide you and give you strength during this sad time. I pray that you will find peace and comfort in knowing that your grief is shared by so many of the lives she touched. May God bless you and your wonderful family.
Caroyn Geiger
May 24, 2011
I send many prayers out to the Miller family. My memories of Rita will always be that lovely smile...a true lady has graced our lives and will be missed.
Donna Wiedrich
May 24, 2011
I am so sorry for your lose. My thoughts are with you at this time.
May 24, 2011
So sorry to hear this news, Corey and Missy. God bless.
Sara Mays Nastopoulos
May 24, 2011
Prayers and Wonderful memories of Rita
to the Miller Family.
Jody Brown
Jim Steinbauer
May 24, 2011
Thoughs and Prayers for the Miller Family.
Jim Steinbauer
Rotary Club Lakeland South
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Rita Miller's name
Memorial Events
for Rita Miller
Funeral services provided by:
Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801
How to support Rita's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Rita Miller's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
