Ceolla N. Miller

Ceolla was born to Walter and Sylvia Gernhart in Cullison, Kansas in 1925; her family moved to Oregon during the Dustbowl and Depression. She grew up in Hillsboro, graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1943. At a dance at the Pumpkin Ridge grange she met her future husband Edward Miller. They got married on April 2, 1945 in Oklahoma where Edward was stationed in the US Army.
Ceolla was a busy mother and housewife for the first 25 years of their marriage, living on a farm near North Plains. Ceolla enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, reading, watching sports and the news. In 1962 they moved to Hillsboro, living on Maple Street, raising their 4 children, LaVonne, Adra, Mark, and Christine. Ceolla then worked for Vocational Rehabilitation for the State of Oregon as a secretary in Hillsboro for many years.
In 1980 Edward and Ceolla built their retirement house on their property outside of North Plains. In the 1990’s until early 2000’s Ceolla volunteered at the North Plains Senior Center. There is a sign at the NP senior center that says “take only one dessert.” Ceolla violated that sign on a daily basis! She had various roles including being president for many years. She liked to tell people she volunteered there and that memory stuck with her all the way to her death.
Over the last 12 years of her life Ceolla traveled with her children and her grandchildren, going to Alaska, Texas, Hawaii, Mexico, different locales in Oregon and absolutely enjoyed spending time with her family.
Two years ago Ceolla moved into her son Mark and daughter-in-law Jennie’s home in Lake Oswego, and continued to live there until she suffered a stroke in August. She then received rehabilitation at The Pearl at Kruse Way, and then moved into their memory care unit. Despite her short stay there the staff of The Pearl loved her and she made an impression upon everyone she met.
She was a hard worker and always asked if she could help, all the way to the end of her life. Jennie says “She was the fastest laundry folder in the West!” She is already missed greatly for that skill!
She has 5 grandchildren, Kelly Sawyer, Stacey Dougherty, Andrew Sawyer, Stefanie Miller and Claire Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward, her brother Euvene Gernhart and sister Beth Ramey. She is survived by her brothers Zeldon Gernhart of Sandy,Oregon, and Wyman Gernhart of Happy Valley,Oregon, Tom Ramey of Rainier, Oregon and many nieces and nephews.
Ceolla always had a smile, a willing hand to help, and will be missed greatly. We love her very much!
In Lieu of Flowers please donate to the ALS Association of Oregon.
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