Charles Edward Miller, 76

Former Boundary County resident Charles Edward Miller, 76, of Otis Orchards, Wash., passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

He was born May 15, 1932, in Trinidad, Colo., to Charles C. and Ruth I. Bishop Miller. Charlie was one of 17 children.

As a young boy, he moved with his family to the Bonners Ferry area and attended schools in Boundary County.

Charlie served with the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1952.

On Jan. 27, 1952, he married the former Lillian Worley. Charlie and Lillian shared 57 years together and raised three children.

Following their move to Spokane, Charlie worked as a mechanic at Snyder’s Bakery, retiring in 1994.

He enjoyed fishing and traveling in the motor home he built. Charlie spent a great deal of time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He took great pride in his yard work, but was always ready to help a friend or family member with car repairs.  

Charlie is survived by his wife at home; son Jim Miller and his wife, Robin, of Spokane, Wash.; daughters Linda Rydell and her husband, Bill, of Spokane and Joann Weiler and her husband, Scott, of Otis Orchards; niece Sue Bel of Spirit Lake; grandchildren Sarah Swenson, Sam Miller, Jennifer Holmes, Will Vetter, Lisa Provencio and Scott Weiler; great-grandchildren Norah, Emily, Matthew, Andrew, Madeline and Brooklyn; sisters, Eileen Burly, Louise Mason, Kate Roberts and Carole Wyatt; and brothers Bob, Ken, Joe, Jerry and Dan.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Leonard, Paul, Clifford, John and Floyd; and sisters Lavina Miller and Penny Robinson.

A memorial service will take place 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in Colonial Chapel of Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home at 1306 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, Wash., with David W. Binder officiating.