Sylvia Lorelli Miller, age 95, of Yakima, WA passed away on June 8, 2024 at home after fighting a courageous battle with dementia. She was born on October 22, 1928 to George and Aletta Haugen in Driscoll, N. Dakota.
She was raised in Powell, Wyoming where she graduated from Powell High School in 1946. She married the love of her life, Clyde Miller, in 1946 and they raised six children. Clyde and Sylvia farmed at Heart Mountain until they moved to Washington in 1953, where they homesteaded west of Othello in an area commonly known as Block 49, “The Bench”. Farming on the Bench during those days was tough and they experienced many dirt storms before the irrigation project came to the area. Mom was one of the original founding members of the “Sagehens” ladies’ group who would play cards and have various family activities and outings.
In the early 60s’, they moved to Connell, WA for several years before they returned to Othello to farm. Mom was a homemaker and spent many years volunteering her time at the local nursing home, enjoyed being the community Avon Lady, and a 4-H leader. After Clyde retired from farming, they moved to Yakima to be closer to family. She was an active and dedicated volunteer with the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop.
Sylvia had many interests. She was excellent at preserving vegetables and fruits, gardening, and had a true green thumb for her beautiful flowers and roses. Mom had a love for baking. Many childhood memories included homemade cinnamon rolls, breads and lefsa. Mom was a very talented seamstress and loved craft projects and spent many hours crocheting. Other interests included doing puzzles, playing cards and creating beautiful colored pencil pictures. She was full of love, patience and kindness which she shared with her entire family and dear friends.
Sylvia is survived by her children, Glenda (Bob) Heironimus of Yakima, Dianne Clift of Yakima, Debbie (Ted) Kudrna of Kennewick, Monica (Todd) Spencer of Harrah, Mark Miller of Yakima, and daughter in law Carol Miller of Othello; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clyde Miller, and son Gary Miller.
The family would like to thank Wayne Nell for his countless hours helping mom and always being there for comfort, love and caring.
A viewing will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W Yakima Ave., in Yakima on Monday June 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Graveside funeral services will be Monday, June 17th at 2:00 p.m. at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, 3001 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima, WA.
To express fond memories and words of condolences to the Miller family, please visit www.keithandkeith.com
