After 103 blessed, busy years, Pearl Edith Miller passed away Aug. 30, 2022, in Chehalis, Washington. She was born Dec. 9, 1918, the third of eight children, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The family moved to Kansas to live near other family members when she was 10 years old. She never forgot her roots or where she came from, living during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl years. Following high school graduation, Pearl and a friend first drove to California, then up to Chehalis in 1939. With family in the Chehalis area, she thought it would be a good place to live. Pearl was employed by the Washington Gas & Electric Company, Chehalis Advocate and the Rainier Crossarm Company, prior to becoming a full-time homemaker.
After the war, Pearl met Ronald Miller in Chehalis following his discharge from the United States Army. They were married for 52 years before Ronald’s passing in 1999.
She is preceded in death by her seven siblings, along with many other relatives and friends.
Pearl is survived by Dennis (Deborah), Vancouver, Washington; Greg (Sharon), Manteca, California; Brian (Kerry), Poulsbo, Washington; five grandchildren, Sean (Brenda), Alyssa (Doug), Cassidy, Anna (Juan) and Kayla; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Pearl has been a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church since 1940. She kept busy with her sons’ Scouts, church and school activities, charitable fundraising, two church circles, PEO Sisterhood, golf, bowling and various bridge groups. These were outlets for her friendly, outgoing personality. In retirement, she and Ronald enjoyed trips to China, Australia, the British Isles and Scandinavian countries to name a few destinations. They also visited siblings and relatives all over the country. Pearl loved to laugh and keep up with her siblings, extended family and large circle of friends and neighbors.
Special recognition goes out to her close friends and neighbors, Warren and Cheryl Erickson, and Roberta Pringle, for all of the love and help given to her throughout the years. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Betty and Donna, along with many others at “Caregivers 4 Mom & Dad,” for their special care of their mother during her years at Woodland Village.
In lieu of flowers, any donations or remembrances in her name can be sent to The Chehalis Fund, Chehalis Foundation, P.O. Box 1608, Chehalis, WA, 98532 or to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 128 W Prindle St., Chehalis, WA, 98532.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Bright colors are warmly welcome. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel, Centralia.
