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Ruth Million Obituary
Sept. 13, 1923-April 6, 2011
DENVER, CO. - Ruth Million, onetime local resident, teacher, musician and organist, died April 6 at the home of her daughter in Denver, Colorado.
Mrs. Million was a former music professor at Western Oregon University. For decades she served as organist at First Presbyterian churches in Salem and McMinnville.
She was born Ruth Aulick Hatfield in Ada, Okla., the youngest of three children of Charles and Carrie Aulick Hatfield. Ruth graduated valedictorian of Garth High School (Georgetown, Kentucky) at the age of 16.
She held degrees from Georgetown College and the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and a certificate in piano performance from the Cincinnati College of Music.
Her early concert career culminated in 1959 with a two-piano performance at Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City. She moved to McMinnville in 1964 and joined the music faculty of (then) Oregon College of Education. She taught piano and organ and performed with faculty colleagues for 22 years. She was a master teacher and past president of the Oregon Music Teachers Association.
She married Elmer Million in Georgetown, Ken., in 1944. The couple had five Million children. (Ruth was exhausted.) Elmer and Ruth lived in Salem for a time and were active in Prince of Peace Episcopal Church.
Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer and children, Stephen, Deborah and Janet. She is survived by her older sister, Lois Bethel of Baton Rouge, La.; daughters, Charlotte of Denver and Dr. Carolyn Million of Alameda, Calif.; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Million
4 Entries
Ray Finnell
July 9, 2011
One of the pinnacles of my life is to have been Mrs. Million's piano student. She took my ragged skill level and undisciplined nature and boosted my technique, my musicianship, and my dedication to the art far beyond what I thought I was capable of, culminating in a senior recital. Her patient guidance and support, combined with an uncanny sense of how to accomplish those goals always gently, made her one of my favorite people at OCE (1972-77). I miss her dearly; everyone in her life is fortunate to have known her.
Tom Reid
July 4, 2011
Mrs. Million was an extremely caring and wonderful person (and teacher). I never was a student of hers while I was attending OCE ('75-'80), but I worked with her on a few projects, and always wanted her to be my private piano instructor (I had two other very good piano instructors, but I always wanted her to be my instructor). She had a great sense of humor, and was always very professional, but she had an side of her that was caring to all students. Even though she was extremely busy, she always had time to say a kind word, and her smile was always there for everyone. I will always remember her, and our college was a better place because of her. God's love did shine through her. My condolences to all of her family.
Lynda Shields
July 1, 2011
Mrs. Million was my piano teacher at OCE/WOSC 1981-1984. She was a skilled musician, but more importantly, a patient, kind teacher. My condolences to your family.
Nancy Wilhite
June 26, 2011
Mrs. Million was one of my beloved piano teachers at Oregon College of Education. I remember her fondly for her expertise in piano performance and her patience in teaching. She is one of my fondest memories of my time in college. I am still teaching music, and have mentors like Mrs. Million to thank for it!
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