Obituary for Miles Miller

Miles Miller

August 11, 1924 – August 8, 2017

Miles Taylor Miller, Sr., age 92, longtime resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2017 in Ponca City, at Ponca City Nursing Home.

Miles was born on August 11, 1924 in Caney KS, the 6th child and only son to Alva Taylor Miller and Leona Mae Heistand Miller. Miles was raised in Caney, attending school there until while in high school, he joined the U.S. Navy to serve his country during WWII. While in the Navy he was stationed on three different ships finally being stationed in Brazil as a medical corpsman. After being honorably discharged, Miles spent some time in California where he operated a taxi cab and owned a small diner. Miles returned home to the Caney River valley where he completed his GED and began working with his father in the oil fields and farming. His aunt Bernice lived in the area and he visited often. It was during one of these visits that he noticed a pretty red haired young lady that lived in the neighborhood. He offered to fix the front gate at his aunt’s house if she would introduce him to that “red head”. His aunt obliged, the spark between the two was strong and a very short time later, Valeta Ruth Lindsay became his wife on November 9, 1952. With a beautiful new wife in tow, Miles set out west surveying pipelines in Montana, Wyoming and Utah. While out west, their son Miles, Jr. was born. Not long after Miles Jr. was born, and Miles, Sr. was transferred back to Ponca City where he helped with the construction of the pump station on the Cherokee Pipeline System for Continental Oil Company. A job opening as a pump station operator gave him the opportunity to settle down and make Ponca City his permanent home. Shortly thereafter, their son Stephen was born. Miles worked for Conoco until retiring in 1985. After retirement, he kept busy by helping anyone who asked, especially his elderly friends. He also ran a small cattle operation with his boys for several years, and enjoyed traveling around the country visiting the sites. His wife Valeta Ruth passed away after forty-eight years of marriage in 2000. He and Wanda Van Hicks, his daughter in law’s mother, attended the same church and began spending time together. They were married in January of 2002 providing a warm companionship while sharing in the joys of their blended families.

Miles was an extraordinary man. His humility would prevent him taking any credit for his character, but he was defined by the great traditional values admired amongst men. Courageous, honest, faithful, generous, good natured, kind, wise, full of integrity are words used describe Miles. He spent his life trying to please God and live the example Jesus provided. His days began with drinking a good cup of coffee and studying God’s Word. Miles was one of those men who took his faith seriously. He loved everyone he met and made sure they knew it. His family was blessed to have so many years with their family patriarch. He was a great Christian example to his family and friends. In addition to studying God’s word, Miles enjoyed God’s creation as a hunter and fisherman. Time spent with family was very precious to Miles. He loved his family and his Lord.

Survivors include his treasured wife Wanda Miller of the Home, dear sons, Miles Miller, Jr., and his wife Rene of Ponca City, Stephen Miller and wife Merle Ann of Tonkawa, adored grandchildren: Amanda Meyer of Ponca City, Larissa Kodesh and husband Scott of Marland, Bethany Rush and Husband Chris of Ponca City, Stephen A.T. Miller and wife Lee Ann of St. Clairsville, OH, Miles T. Miller, III and wife Rachel of Ponca City, Hayden W. Miller and wife Amber of Blackwell, Adrianna Hicks of El Reno, Steven Shane McGrew and wife Anna of Gore, OK, cherished great grandchildren: Madison Meyer, Taylor Rae Meyer, Blaine Meyer, Laramie Kodesh, Garrett Kodesh, Caden Rush, Brialynn Rush, Carson Miller, Brinkley Miller, Sheridon Miller, Emerson Miller, Scarlett Miller, Isaiah McGrew, Isaac McGrew, Ian McGrew, and Ilias McGrew as well as many treasured nieces, nephews and his beloved church family.

Miles was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his parents, and his sisters: Opal Robbins, Helen Robison, Marie Moore, Wanda Holiday, and Bernice Louise Miller.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at the funeral home from 1pm-8pm Monday, August 14 and 8am-8pm Tuesday, August 15 at Trout Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Tuesday, August 15 in the Fellowship Hall at Life Springs Family Worship Center. A funeral ceremony to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00am Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at the Life Springs Family Worship Center. A graveside ceremony will be held at 3:00pm Wednesday, August 16, in the Neodesha City Cemetery in Neodesha, KS where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Ruth. Casket bearers will be Stephen Miller, Miles T. Miller, Jr., Miles T. Miller, III, Steve Miller, Hayden Miller, and Carson Miller. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be provided to the Life Springs Family Worship Center Youth Group, 621 W. Grand Ave., Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home