Carol H. Miller

Carolyn Augusta Hagaman was born November 20, 1914 in Mount Vernon, OH: Daughter of Frederick Blaine and Edna Josephine (Dunning) Hagaman.

A native of Cleveland, OH, Carol attended The Ohio State University and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1936. Notably, she was a member of the 1933 Homecoming Court, Junior Class Vice President (1934-1935), and held memberships in the honorarias of the Chimes and Mortar Board.

A dedicated member of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women since 1932, Carol shared her life-long sisterhood with various local and regional alumnae chapters, including the National Panhellenic Organization. In 2008, Pi Beta Phi honored Carol for her 75 years of devoted service.

Carol married Ralph C. Miller, Jr. in Cleveland, OH on September 9, 1939. Together they raised six children and were active in each of their seven communities: Philadelphia, PA; Birmingham, MI; Pleasant Hills, PA; Upper St. Clair, PA; Watchung, NJ; Pinehurst, NC and Fort Wayne, IN.

An accomplished artist, seamstress and ceramist, she received numerous awards in honor of her craft. Considered a vintage potter of the Cleveland School, Carol is listed in the important monographs of Who’s Who in the East, Mallett and Davenports, 1946. The Cleveland Museum of Art acquired eleven pieces of her work (c. 1935-1965) for their permanent collection.

Among numerous other organizations, Carol was also affiliated with the Civic Light Opera Guild and the Associated Artists Guild in Pittsburgh, PA, and the Moore County Arts Council in Pinehurst, NC. She was a Girl Scout leader for twenty years; a faithful member of the Pleasant Hills Community Church, Pittsburgh, PA; the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, PA; and The Village Chapel in Pinehurst, NC. In 2007, Carol published her memoirs for her immediate family.

Predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Ralph C. Miller, Jr., a daughter, Barbara Jane Miller, and brother, Frederick Homer Hagaman. She is survived by a son, Ralph Charles Miller III (Linda Suhr Miller) of Moraga, CA; four daughters, Margaret M. Thomas (Dr. John R. Thomas) of Carmel, IN; Nancy M. Daily (Robert S. Daily) of Rochester Hills, MI; Janet M. Adamson (John F. Adamson) of Williamsburg, VA; and Catherine C. Miller (Robert T. Kelly) of West Bloomfield, MI; 12 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren.

Carol was incredibly accomplished in all walks of life and deeply loved by those of us who have been graced by her presence.

A private graveside service will be held on January 26 at Union Cemetery, Columbus, OH. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice.