Ruth Ann (Martin) Miller

Born on July 28, 1944, in Crawford County, Indiana, to Ruby (Hendershot) and Everest Martin, Ruth was a graduate of New Albany High School, Indiana University (1966), and the University of Louisville, where she earned both her master's degree and Ph.D. She spent 31 years as a professor of English at the University of Louisville before retiring in 2010. Teaching literature was more than her profession; it was her vocation. She believed great books helped us better understand ourselves and one another, and she delighted in sharing that belief with generations of students.

For fifty-nine years, Ruth shared a wonderful marriage with her husband, Gary. Together they raised four children: Kim Grantz, Barry Miller, M.D. (Jamie), Terri Miller (John Friedlein), and Patrick Miller (Emily).

Her favorite title, however, was "Mamaw." She delighted in her grandchildren Mac Miller (Amy), Henry Miller, Ruby Miller, Roxie Miller, Nick Grantz, Mallory Grantz, Jillian Grantz, Finn Miller, and Molly Miller and was especially grateful to know her great-granddaughter, Maggie Miller.

She is also survived by her brother, Terry Martin (Carol); her niece, Julie (Martin) Voyles (Mitch); and her great-niece and great-nephew, Maggie and Owen Voyles.

Ruth found joy in thoughtful pursuits and good company. She was an accomplished Contract Bridge player, a devoted reader, an enthusiastic solver of crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and a loyal fan of both the Louisville Cardinals and the Indiana Hoosiers. A devoted viewer of Jeopardy!, she never missed an episode, relishing the opportunity to learn something new or, just as often, the satisfaction of discovering she already knew the answer.

She lived a life defined by curiosity, intelligence, kindness, and quiet wit. She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, friends who will miss her greatly, students who are better for having known her, and a legacy that will endure wherever a love of learning is passed from one generation to the next.

Visitation will be held at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 E. Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana 47150, on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 am with burial to follow at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park, New Albany, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hosparus Health Southern Indiana. Donations may be made online at https://hosparushealth.org