Elaine Miller

Doris Elaine Miller, of Burleson, Texas, passed away on March 16, 2024, at age 94. Most people called her Elaine, Mama, or Gana. Elaine was born on August 26, 1929, in Fort Worth to James Cleveland Crouch and Ora Dewey Crouch. She graduated from Poly High School in 1947 and was a faithful member of Crestmont Baptist Church for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Dorothy Crouch, her brother J.C. Crouch and wife Zell, and her husband of 46 years, Fred Miller. Fred and Elaine created a wonderful, robust family that began with five children. Nothing on earth was more important to her than family. In birth order, they are Karon Hatch and her husband John, Chris Miller and his wife Sara, David Miller and his wife Danette, Susan Smith, Merrily Behnke and her husband Bill. Her grandchildren are Brandy Schmoker and husband Trey, Jennifer Moore and husband Greg, Rachel Miller and husband Steve Britton, Sara Murrell and husband Johnny, John Hatch and wife Morgan, Jeremy Miller and wife Misty, Brad Miller and wife Krysti, Cody Smith and wife Courtney, Randi Chris Chancellor and husband David, Lacey Sparkman and husband Alex, James Behnke and partner Kay, Markus Behnke, Anna Cooper and husband Cameron. As well, there are 23 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Whether by birth, marriage, or adoption, ALL were loved by her as family.

Many people accumulate family members but what made Elaine extraordinary is that she created a legacy. She lived a life that so many of us would and should love to emulate. The Proverbs 31 Woman in the Bible was not an actual woman but an example of how to live as a woman of noble character. Actually achieving the Proverbs 31 status is near impossible, but Elaine managed it. We could go line by line, proving nearly every single one, but here are a few that stand out:

• She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands. She literally made clothes and blankets for so many of us! I, personally have years of memories of going to the fabric store to dig through patterns and choose the perfect material.

• She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household. Not a single one of us ever went hungry with Gana, and it was always delicious. The grandkids especially enjoyed her treats of ice cream, butterfinger bites in the freezer, homemade cookies, and homemade rolls.

• She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. Elaine was smart with money! She paid attention to investing trends and even ran her own business for a bit.

• She clothes herself with strength. One the most remarkable qualities about Elaine was her incredible mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical strength. After her husband died, she continued to live life and lead her family well. She stood firm on her faith in God and reliance on the truth of God’s word. As well, she never stopped prioritizing her physical strength,exercising well into her nineties!

• She extends her hands to the needy. Most of us have been on the receiving end of her compassion and generosity. If only there was time to share all the stories!

• Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. Joy, love for life, and love for the people around her was evident to everyone. And how she loved to laugh!

• Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. She didn’t always have lots of words but the words she spoke meant something.

• She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. That’s the truth –she was always doing something!

To quote a few of her grandchildren:

"She was a remarkable woman, and her legacy lives on through us. She had such a positive impact on everyone around her. Her warmth, laughter, and wisdom will always be remembered. Gana’s strength, kindness, and resilience have shaped our family in so many ways". ~ Rachel

"I think the most common memory we all share is Gana’s passion for travel, her undying love for her family and friends, and her love for life! Enjoying every moment and making memories with all of us. She is the most amazing woman I have ever known". ~ Brad

"She even offered to drive me to college to move in. She helped me load and unload boxes. Everyone else had men, but I had Gana! Before she left, she told me to have fun and get in a little trouble". ~ Sara

"Sharing a room with her on our Mexico trip…she went to get lidocaine spray just to get my swimsuit off my horribly sunburned body. How she took such care in not hurting me more! ~ Randi

"We will all miss Elaine, Mama, Gana terribly but are also thankful for the indelible impact that she has had on our lives. She inspires us to be better people and through that her legacy will continue.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: “Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all!”