Catherine E. Miller

MILLER, CATHERINE E.
Catherine Elizabeth Miller passed away on April 27, 2014 at home, surrounded by her three daughters. Catherine, known to all as Katy, was born in Little Falls, New York on March 7, 1922. She was the only child of the late Frederick C. and Catherine (Marsh) Butman. Katy grew up in Kenmore, New York. Following her graduation from Kenmore High School, her family moved to Detroit and then to Ann Arbor. Katy received a BA from The University of Michigan in 1943. Katy met her husband, Bud Miller, on a blind date. They were married at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in 1945. She is survived by their three daughters, Judy (Steve) Dobson, Barbara Miller and Janet (Jim) Rykse. Her son, Frederick Logan (Rick) Miller was killed in an automobile accident in 1965. Katy was very proud of her four grandchildren, Kaley (Jeff) Werthammer, Mac (Maren) Dobson, Riley Denison, Nicholas Denison; and two great-grand children, Ellie and Emma Werthammer. Katy had a daredevil streak and could be counted on to ride the scariest rides with her children at an amusement park. To illustrate, in 1939, Katy had a chance to participate in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, offered by the United States Government. With no hesitation, she seized the opportunity to learn to fly. She was the only girl in the class and her first flying lesson was also her first plane ride. She completed the course and received her pilot's license. Katy became fascinated by genealogy years ago, and quickly realized that she needed to purchase a computer. She mastered it with ease, and was way ahead of her generation in understanding the applications and value of a PC. Katy also loved to read, garden, knit, play golf, and given enough time, was known to take on complicated household repairs. She enjoyed her time, and all the wonderful people she met, working for the Ann Arbor Public Schools as an administrative assistant to the principals of Bach and Clague Schools. In 1971, Katy and Bud purchased a cottage on Walloon Lake near Petoskey, MI. Many happy, fun-filled summers followed. Katy and Bud's door was always open to family and friends. Katy shined brightest as a warm, loving, compassionate mother and wife. Her home was always welcoming, and it became a gathering place for her children's friends. She tolerated the chaos with gracious calm. At her request, Katy will be interred with Bud at a private family service. Her family will celebrate her life at Walloon Lake, and say farewell and thank you to their wonderful, much-loved mother and grandmother. Memorial contributions may be sent to: The Family Learning Institute 1954 Industrial Hwy, Suite D Ann Arbor, 48104 or Therapeutic Riding, Inc. 3425 E. Morgan Rd. Ann Arbor, 48105