Ida Mai Miller

MILLER IDA MAI MILLER (Age 84) THOMAS H. MILLER Died at her home in Arlington, VA on May 16, 2008. Her husband of 64 years, Marine Corps. Lt. General Thomas H. Miller, had predeceased her on November 27, 2007. Ida Mai Giddings was born on May 9, 1924 in Texas. The daughter of a chemical engineer and a loving mother, she would travel extensively through the southwest as a child. On one such trip to George West, Texas, she would meet her future husband. As a teenager, Ida Mai moved to Topeka, Kansas. She was educated at Topeka High School and Washburn College. In 1941, just prior to the outbreak of World War II, she was married to 1st Lieutenant Thomas Miller, a recent graduate of flight school. Ida Mai became a devoted Marine Corps officer's wife. She excelled in all facets of base life including writing and editing the post's newspaper and coordinating many of the social events. She wrote a children's book entitled "Bushy Nibble Nuts" for her beloved sister, Lucy. Throughout her life, Ida Mai was a devout Christian and was active in the Little Falls Presbyterian Church for over fifty years. Ida Mai was a leader, both with Girl Scouts and Christian Education. She was an outstanding cook, avid golfer and dog lover. She would give birth to four children, Tommy, Donald, Jacqueline and Jo Ann. Her two sons would tragically predecease her. There were many times, while her husband was fighting overseas,that she carried the burden of raising the family. She did so without complaint and was a wonderful mother. Ida Mai loved to have fun and she loved to dance. She was always organizing parties for the children or other members of the Marine family. She had a quick wit, a beautiful smile and enjoyed life to the fullest. Upon her husband's retirement in 1979, they traveled throughout the world reuniting with many of their Marine Corps family. As she once said: " My life has been a series of wonderful adventures." Her positive charm and deep compassion for others will be her legacy. Ida Mai is survived by her sister, Lucy Hixon of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; two daughters, Jacqueline Miller Herrold of Sherborn, Massachusetts and Jo Ann Miller of Westport, Connecticut; as well as a son-in-law, John Herrold and two grandsons, Matthew and Timothy Herrold. A Funeral Service will be conducted at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel on Monday, June 2 at 11 a.m., with burial to follow in Arlington National Cemetery. It will coincide with the delayed interment of her beloved husband. After close to eighty years of knowing one another, they will once again be together in eternal peace. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any remembrances be given to "Give the Kids the World" Foundation or the Salvation Army.In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any remembrances be given to "Give the Kids the World" Foundation or the Salvation Army.