Beverly Lavone Miller

Beverly Miller, 69, passed away during the night of September 27, 2012 in her home in Milwaukie, OR with her three children and husband at her bedside. Bev was a loving mother and a friend to all. She was born October 5, 1942, in McMinnville, OR to Lloyd and Bessie Bjelde. Seven days after her birth, her mother Bessie died from an infection caused during the birth. Her father Lloyd was tasked with raising three children by himself. He took Bev to live with relatives near Duluth, MN. At the age of 3, her father returned and reunited his family with his new wife, Helen Bjelde in Denver, CO. Bev lived with her family in Denver until the 5th grade until they moved again to Salem, OR. They made their final move while Bev was in the 6th grade to Siletz, OR. In Siletz, Bev attended high school and met her future husband Lewis ""Mike"" Miller. After graduating high school, Bev started work at the Lincoln County Courthouse where she saved money to attend The University of Oregon. After one year in Eugene, she moved to Corvallis to be close to Mike. They married March 17, 1963. In the summer of 1963, Bev and Mike moved to Eddyville, OR. Mike had taken a job as a high school teacher while Bev helped the school out with administrative duties. In 1964, Bev gave birth to their first child, Michael Miller. After three years they moved to Milwaukie, OR where Mike took a job as the director for a new vocational program with the Portland Public Schools. It was here in Milwaukie where Bev and Mike planted their roots and gave birth to their other two children, Eric in 1968 and Jennifer in 1973. In Beverly's early years in Milwaukie, she was known as a family motivated stay-at-home mom, selling Avon products door-to-door. In 1982, she went to work part-time at Wichita Water Works. It was a one minute walk from her home, which was convenient for her to work and be close to her children. In 1986, she began working full time with the City of Milwaukie. She retired in 1998. After retiring, Bev continued her involvement with the City of Milwaukie. She enjoyed catching up with her work friends. She and her husband spent much of their time at the family farm in Siletz. She enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. Each spring, she organized her annual Easter Egg Hunt at their home in Milwaukie. At Christmas, she was always the most excited, even more than the children. Being a two time survivor of breast cancer, Bev became a member and large contributor to Race for the Cure in 1995. Every year, she would assemble her team, Bev's Bosom Buddies. Bev was known for her family devotion and sacrifice. She always had an open door for her family and friends. She saw the best in everyone. She was proud of her children who all graduated college and loved her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, three children, ten grandchildren and a large extended family. Those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Komen Foundation under team name, Bev's Bosom Buddies. A Memorial Service will be held this Saturday, October 6th at 2 p.m. at Abundant Life Church, 17241 SE Hemrich Rd., Damascus, OR 97089, located at 172nd between Sunnyside and Foster Road.