Richard R. Miller 1931-2023

Richard Rodney Miller was born to Alex and Mollie Miller on April 24, 1931 in Froid Montana. His childhood was spent on the family farm where he worked from an early age. He joined the Montana National Guard but was medically discharged from acute appendicitis which was nearly fatal. In 1950 the family moved to Kennewick Washington. There he met the love of his life Shirley Basham. They were introduced by dad's cousin Betty Bader. Dad and mom were married on June 22, 1951. Early in their marriage they lived in a few different places but eventually settled in the Tri Cities. They raised three children, two daughters Sharon Crosby (Darwin), DiAnna Osborne; and one son Rick Miller (Pam).

Our family enjoyed camping trips in the Tucannon area above Dayton, Washington, weekends spent swimming at local parks, many barbecues and picnics with extended family and vacations across the western United States visiting maternal grandparents in Colorado. After dad was injured on the job he and mom purchased land in the Tucannon area where they had many wonderful family memories. They turned an undeveloped piece of land into a beautiful home where we kids and grandchildren loved to visit. The family spent time together there fishing, playing in the river, sitting around the campfire, woodcutting work days and just enjoying the great outdoors.

In later years dad and mom became snowbirds, wintering in Yuma, Arizona. They made many great friends in the time spent there enjoying the activities, dances and happy hours. They traveled, visiting relatives in Montana, areas in the southwest, driving to Branson Missouri, going on cruises and just enjoying retired life.

In 2008 they moved back to the Tri Cities to be near the family. In 2019 dad was diagnosed with dementia and eventually moved to Windsong Southridge, a memory care community. Dad was valiant in his three year struggle with dementia but ended his fight on February 3, 2023 and now rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior. We will always remember dad for his strength, hard work, and most of all the love for his family. Preceding him in death were his sister Irene Prock, brother Harold Miller and Son in Law Key Osborne. He is survived by his loving wife Shirley, children Sharon, DiAnna and Rick; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.

The family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.

A Memorial Service will be on April 22, 2023 ~ 11:00 am at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremation, 9353 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick, WA .