Irene G. Miller passed away in her home in Hermiston surrounded by her three daughters on Jan. 17, 2022 at the age of 100.
She was born on Oct. 11, 1921 on a farm outside Monte Vista, Colo. to Ora and Edna Timblin Elwood, the middle child between two brothers, the only girl in the family.
Irene lived in Monte Vista, Colo. in a home with an artesian well of constantly streaming cold water, which served as their refrigerator. She graduated from Monte Vista High School in 1939 and studied secretarial skills at Blair College in Colorado Springs.
During World War II she worked at Consolidated Aircraft, helping to build B24s in San Diego, Calif. She could have been Rosie the Riveter! This was the big band era, and she met Harold Miller at a dance. They were united in marriage on Aug. 7, 1942 in San Diego, Calif. The couple lived in Colorado for a short time until Harold’s military service and work required several moves. In 1951, the couple moved to Hermiston, where she had resided since.
In Hermiston, Irene worked as a mother to her young family and was a mentor for many young girls as Campfire Girls leader and 4-H Club leader. Her family hosted two foreign exchange students through American Field Service, one from Greece and another from Guatemala. In 1962, when her children were older, she began her banking career at First Federal Savings and Loan as a teller and a loan officer in Hermiston. She retired in 1978 to work in her husband’s insurance office part time.
She also became even more active as a volunteer for many organizations in the community: the Hermiston Senior Center, Agape House, Habitat for Humanity, Hermiston Eagles Lodge and the Hospital Auxiliary. She taught Sunday school and served as treasurer at the Hermiston United Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo and had traveled all over the world.
She is survived by her daughters, Judy Hill Lovins, Tara Edna Miller, Kathy Crowley, and her foreign exchange daughter, Libby Quintana DeRamos; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; an infant son, David; her parents; and two brothers.
A celebration of life is planned for Jan. 29, 2-4 p.m. at the Harkenrider Senior Center.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial donations be made to the Hermiston Senior Center, 435 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
