Blanche G. Miller

Blanche spent her childhood and early youth in Colorado Springs attending school and assisting her parents. With naval base located close to her home in Colorado Springs, it was not unusual to see naval personnel everywhere and, as a young woman, Blanche and her friends attended a movie where, in her words, there were two very handsome young aviation cadets seated two rows in front of them, one of which was her beloved Cecil. Somehow, they made eye contact and, before the evening was over, a courtship began, which then led to a marriage of 69 years.

After their marriage, while Cecil completed his schooling in Tucson, Arizona towards becoming a mechanical engineer, Blanche worked in various office positions to assist Cecil in reaching his goal. When that was completed, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where Cecil began his career and Blanche made a lovely home for both of them. Blanche also participated in the sorority, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, where she dedicated her time to charitable organizations and where she held many high positions and was instrumental in raising funds to assist these charitable organizations.

Shortly after the loss of their beloved daughter, Deborah, only hours after her birth, Blanche’s sister, Frances, also passed away and, although this was a very sad time for Blanche, she enthusiastically welcomed Frances’ 12-year-old son, Michael, into her and Cecil’s home, where he became their son. It was a beautiful and loving family where they experienced much joy and Cecil and Blanche were always so proud of their son and his accomplishments. Blanche played a great part in helping Michael achieve his goal of becoming a pilot, always encouraging and supporting him and, once again, she took a part time office job to assist Michael with his schooling so he could achieve his dream of becoming a pilot.

As a a grandmother and great-grandmother, Blanche was always a generous, thoughtful, and kind grandmother and was very much loved and appreciated by all her grandchildren.

The last few years had been difficult, with the various illnesses that both she and Cecil endured, yet, she stood bravely beside Cecil, as he confronted his last days and grieved and mourned greatly at his passing. After this, she bravely made some big decisions, while herself recovering from illness, and sold her home of many years, with so many beautiful memories, and moved into an assisted living facility, where she gracefully and, with class, built herself a life there, building friendships and being close with family, until her passing.

Blanche will be greatly missed and always loved by her family and friends.

Blanche is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandhildren, extended family, and many dear friends.

Services will be held on September 19, 2015, at 3 p.m. at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022, with reception to follow.