MILDRED MAE MILLER

Jan. 16, 1921 - Feb. 23, 2011

Millie was born and reared in Rushville, Indiana. Her father Perry Hockersmith met every set back with quiet fortitude, a characteristic shared by Millie. She died peacefully from complications following a stroke in January.

The first of her family to seek a college degree, she worked her way to a B.A. degree in music with a minor in accounting and did so, with honors, in four years. She graduated from the University of Indianapolis in 1943 and married Jim Miller. Her husband, daughters Maryllyn Neely and Rachel Reeder, son-in-law Paul Reeder, and granddaughter Elisabeth Neely live in Richland; granddaughter Katie (Reeder) Lewis lives in Boulder, Colorado; and sister Donna Cunningham lives in Indianapolis. Millie and Jim lived in Indiana, Ohio, Massachusetts, Maine, Oregon, and twelve years in Richland.

Millie taught high-school business subjects in Ohio and Concord, Massachusetts and was considered by her peers as an excellent teacher. A soprano, she sang in church and community choirs. She aided her husband's career in higher education from graduate school through two college presidencies. Millie was a skillful and gracious hostess to thousands of college students, faculty, and college guests.

She served several years on the board of Mowry Square condominium and attended Shalom United Church of Christ in Richland. A celebratory memorial service will be held on March 19 at 1 p.m. at Shalom UCC.

Mueller's, Kennewick, WA has handled cremation and other necessary services.