Mabel Miller

Mabel was the middle child, sister to two boys and enjoyed competing in sports during her early years. Mabel had a strong passion for animals and at age 19, she took a job leading pack horses into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mabel continued to work with horses, but also pursued baking, first as a hobby and eventually by trade. In 1961, Mabel moved her family to Salem, Oregon where she continued to bake, race and show horses and eventually went to work for the Salem-Keizer School District. After 28 years of driving school bus, Mabel retired from the school district and devoted her time to gardening, spending time with family and looking after her granddaughters.

Mabel was well known among her community as independent, vivacious, proud and fun-spirited. She had a knack for anything she put her mind to and was an excellent teacher, to her daughters and granddaughters, generous with her knowledge in sports (tennis, basketball & softball) to training and racing horses and anything in the kitchen.

Most important to Mabel, was her family. She had a close bond with her two daughters, Judith & Frances and her granddaughters, Kristen and Amy. She was a wonderful, caring mother and grandmother, showing her love with plenty of hugs, jokes and laughter. Mabel will be remembered for her strong spirit, kind heart and sense of adventure.

Mabel is survived by her brother, Paul Churchill of Sonora, CA, daughters, Judith Miller of Phx, AZ & Francie Gilmer (Steve Gilmer, Son-in-law) of Salem, Oregon, granddaugthers, Kristen Gilmer of New York, NY & Amy Gilmer of San Francisco, CA and nieces Dr. Diane Churchill of New York, NY, Carol Dacbert of Houston TX & Lisa Waite of Sonora, CA.

Mabel was preceded in death by her brother, Stanley Churchill of Sonora, CA.

Chapel services are scheduled for Wednesday, September 7 at 2:00 pm at the Benedictine home in Mt. Angel. Graveside services are scheduled for Friday, September 9 at 11:00am at Belcrest Memorial Park and Cemetery in Salem. Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors.

Donations may be made to Providence Benedictine Nursing Center Foundation:

540 S Main Street, Mt. Angel, OR 97362, 503.845.6841.