The Honorable Ronald Lee Miller

The Honorable Ronald Lee Miller, age 79, passed away at home on July 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. A sharp intellect, judicial professionalism, and a steadfast dedication to public duty defined his long career on the bench and in private practice.

A native of Connecticut, Ronald graduated from Enfield High School in 1965, earned his B.A. in political science from the University of Connecticut, and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona. He was admitted to the Colorado Bar and to the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado in September 1972, maintaining membership in the Colorado Bar Association for over forty years.

Ronald balanced a successful private practice from 1973 to 2010 with a distinguished judicial career. Appointed to the bench in 1983, he served for thirty years as a presiding judge for multiple towns and counties across Colorado until his retirement in 2013. He was known for his traditional professionalism, fairness, exceptional competence, and quiet dignity.

His commitment to civic duty was reflected in his membership with the 8th Air Force Historical Society, his volunteer work for the Jefferson County Library Foundation, and his dedication to the Christmas Action Guild Food Bank.

Ronald was an avid reader of history and political science who dedicated much of his personal time to writing on political and environmental issues. He found great fulfillment in scaling Colorado's iconic 14ers, skiing, and sailing alongside his wife for many years. Throughout his life, he proudly maintained his ties with his lifelong friends known as the Enfield Boys Club. He shared that same loyalty with his close Colorado friends, spending years fishing and cheering on their favorite home teams together.

He is survived by his wife and lifelong partner, Cleo Arellano-Miller; his stepson, Matthew R. Arellano; his brother, Edward Miller, and his wife, Susan; and his niece, Kim Miller, and her husband, Kyle. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rosemary Miller; his stepson, Jacob L. Arellano; and his brother, Wayne R. Miller.

A service to honor Judge Miller's life and legacy will be held on Saturday, August 1st, at 11:00 AM at the Serenity Pointe Chapel at Olinger Crown Hill in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, with a reception to follow at 12:00 PM.

"There is no death, only a change of worlds."- Chief Seattle

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy or The National Wildlife Federation.