CASTLE DALE – On March 23, 2012, aunt, sister, and “other Mother”, Dorothy Holland Cowan Miller, age 97, left the surly bonds of earth to join her beloved late husband, Marvin R. Miller, who passed away in 2004.
Dorothy was born on May 5, 1914, in Albany, Clinton County, Ky. to James Samuel and Margaret Lee Cummings Cowan. With a love of horses, music, and travel, she migrated to Dayton, Ohio, and McAllen, Texas. In 1948, a visit with the Emily Henzi family in Castle Dale, led her to the love of her life, Marvin Miller, the son of Willard and Anna Laura Wood Miller. They were married in Grand Junction, Colo. on Oct. 15, 1948. Marvin was the former co-owner of Miller and Curtis Meat Packing Company in Castle Dale, along with Rohmer Curtis. Dorothy became a member of the LDS Church early in their long marriage.
She is survived by a sister, Ruby Shweiterman of Kettering, Ohio. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin; brother, Wendell Cowan; and three sisters: Emma Hively, Anna Claborn, and Opal Hunter.
Dorothy’s niece, Dorothy Lee Young Doll, lived with Dorothy and Marvin Miller eight of her childhood years, attending local schools. Affectionately known to Dorothy Doll’s family as “Ma and Pa”, Marvin and Dorothy remained important figures in her life, and that of her family. Dorothy Doll and husband, Henry Wm. Doll, plus their children: Henry Doll III of Fairfield, Calif., Jane Marie Beebe of Milpitas, Calif., Kathleen Ann Hodgins of Portland, Ore., and Rebecca Lee Suppes of Fernley, Nev., as well as their families, mourn, but celebrate the wonderful lives of this couple, who were so devoted to them. Dorothy Miller’s loss is also felt by the loving families of the late Marvin Miller: Neva Smith, Doris Miller (Mrs. Dee Miller), and Ted and Delana Miller. Their families from Utah, Arizona, Ohio and Colorado, as well as, Dorothy’s family from California, Oregon, Nevada, Ohio, and Georgia make up two generations of many nieces and nephews. Dorothy and Marvin Miller contributed to the higher education of several of these family members.
Dorothy’s declining years were spent battling the effects of early onset Alzheimer’s. Her generosity, devotion, and love of her family and friends will be long remembered.
Dorothy Lee Doll and her family wish to thank everyone who assisted and contributed to the happiness, health, and well-being of Dorothy and Marvin. Their kind words and heart-warming gestures are treasured, and they exemplify the spirit of God’s love within us. They are a credit to their families, culture and community.
Until we meet again, may God hold Dorothy and Marvin in the palm of his hand. We pray God’s golden promise of heaven and reunion comfort all who knew and loved her.
“I know that thou art not far, for near, in need, the angels are…” ~John G. Whittier
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Fausett Mortuary (720 N. Center St., Castle Dale). There will be a viewing from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Castle Dale City Cemetery.
Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guest book and share memories of Dorothy at www.fausettmortuary.com.
In lieu of floral offerings, please contribute to the Alzheimer’s foundation, Beehive Homes in Elmo, or a charity of your choice.
Dorothy Holland Cowan Miller
"Dorothy Holland Cowan Miller"