SAMME MILLER

1946 - 2025

SAMME PAYNE MILLER

Dec. 13, 1946 – May 16, 2025

Samme Payne Miller passed away May 16, 2025, in Palm Springs, CA. She was born on December 13, 1946, in Holtville, CA, to Tom and Ruth Payne. She attended Holtville schools, graduated from the University of CA in Santa Barbara, and received her Master's Degree and teaching credentials from CA State College in Northridge.

Her first teaching job was at Finley Elementary School in Holtville in the early '70s. During this time, she met and married Brooks Ranney, the son of a cattle rancher. Unfortunately, he died several years later in an accident at work.

Samme then moved to El Centro and began teaching at Wilson Jr. High. She was an outstanding teacher who created, developed, and found interesting ways to motivate her students and keep them involved. One of the projects she created was called "Walk into History," where students researched and dressed up as famous people. They recited biographical information about their "person" to staff, parents and other classrooms.

In the '80s, she met Michael Miller, who was employed by several companies as a produce broker. He shared many of the same interests as Samme: the love of history, reading biographies, golf and travel. They married and eventually moved to Santa Maria, CA and later to Mississippi for Michael's business. Samme had many relatives who had come from that area and she enjoyed revisiting it. While they were there, Hurricane Katrina hit the coast. The stresses involved in leaving the area helped give Michael a heart attack. He was flown to Salinas, CA, where he passed away at the hospital.

Afterwards, Samme was heartbroken and decided to move to Nipomo, which was close to Santa Maria and memories. She landed a part-time job teaching adolescents who had failed in regular education classes. Again, she found ways to meet their needs and help them enjoy learning.

In Nipomo, Samme lived next door to a wonderful couple who included her in activities and helped her whenever she had a problem. They became close friends and she followed their move to Palm Springs. As she got older, they assisted in finding medical help for her as well. She became friends with a group of women in her housing complex and they had great times going out for weekly dinners in town. Samme also enjoyed throwing occasional parties and liked creating beautiful arrangements from her gardens. She loved going to the casinos.

Samme passed away on May 16, 2025, from a serious infection. Despite her hardships, she enjoyed life and lived every minute of it. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her generosity, and her love of life.

She is survived by her cousin, Tommy Summerville, past students and many dear friends.

A simple service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in El Centro on June 5, 2025, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warriors, Tunnel to Towers or your local animal shelter.