Ruth “Ruthie” Miller was born on April 13, 1945, to John and Margaret Litscher in Dayton, Ore. She was the fifth of six children: Jim, Marvin, Ron, Dave, Ruthie and Beverly.

Ruthie attended school in Dayton, where she played violin and volleyball. Ruthie was athletic and smart, as she was homecoming princess and graduated as valedictorian in 1963. Ruthie attended St. Vincent School of Nursing for one year on a scholarship she was awarded. She always had a passion for the medical field.

In high school, Ruthie started coming to Burns to work on her Aunt and Uncle’s ranch, Pat and Ruth Culp. Her parents’ rule was that she had to stay in Dayton to pick through strawberry season and her mom’s chicken coop had to be cleaned before she could come to Burns for the summer. The work was hard, but Ruthie enjoyed the time with her Aunt and Uncle and cousin. She ran the scatter rake for the ranch and would help her Aunt Ruth with meals, if needed. This is how she met the love of her life, James “Jim” Miller.

On July 1, 1964, Jim and Ruthie were married. They celebrated their 60th anniversary lat summer. In their younger years they enjoyed having gatherings at their house. They would set up the volleyball net and swimming pool, play horse shoes, and enjoy time with family and friends. The nieces and nephews still talk about overnight slumber parties and the fun they had. They also enjoyed drives up in the woods. Ruthie was always a favorite Aunt.

In the early 60s, Ruthie began working for Orm Carter at his jewelry store. She later took over the store and added clothing. Ruthie had a passion for photography, as well. Even back in high school, her cousin remembers her always being behind the camera. Taking photos of family, friends and landscapes. This passion turned into a career for her. Although, Ruthie donated a lot of her time and photos, I’m not sure Ruthie ever considered photography a “job.” She found so much joy in it.

Although Ruthie never had children of her own, she loved being involved as much as she could with them. Ruthie loved children. She loved watching them grow up. For years, Ruthie has taken newborn pictures at the hospital. Over the years, Ruthie would follow those babies all he way through to graduation and onto marriage and their own families. Her camera chronicled the changes and milestone of so many generations. She spent countless hours on the sidelines trying to capture the perfect photo. She has captured weddings, graduations, school photos, dances, all sporting events, family and class reunions, Pow Wow’s, parades, fairs and everything in between. If there was something going on, you could bet Ruthie would be there with her camera in hand. Even though Ruthie didn’t have children of her own, she had many children.

Ruthie was awarded Woman of the Year and Business Woman of the Year. She never wanted acknowledgment or expected anything in return for all she did. Giving was her gift from God.

Ruthie became a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church the day after her 47th birthday. She said she was touched by the Spirit after holding a rosary Father Clemens had. It had been blessed by Pope John Paul II. Teresa Clemens sponsored Ruthie. She went on to become a devout member of the church. She sponsored others in the church for baptism and confirmation. She taught CCD and hosted All Saints Day at her house for many years. She took communion to many who were shut in and unable to attend church.

Her love, kindness, and generosity touched everyone she encountered. Ruthie had a special gift for making people feel seen and valued, and her gentle spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew her. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Margret Litscher; and her brothers, Marvin and Ron Litscher.

Ruthie is survived by her loving husband, Jim Miller; her brothers, Jim and Dave Litscher; her sister, Beverly Methvin (Litcher); her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Jill Miller; sister-in-laws: Anne Miller, Janet Addison and Karen Miller; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as, members of the Church and community who she considered family.