Ronald Ralph Miller died peacefully early Thursday morning on December 12, 2019, at the age of 86.

Ron was born in Lewiston, ID on February 25th, 1933 to Ralph and Thelma Miller and joined his three-year-old sister Bonnie Jean. Ron's formative years were spent in Los Angeles California. Ron had many wonderful memories of his Grandmother, Ora Watkins Dressel who influenced his life and ignited his passion for God.

Ron's father, Ralph Miller was killed in a roofing accident when Ron was four years old. Ron's mother Thelma, married again when Ron was six years old, to a man who already had 8 children. Thelma started Ron in the first grade in March of that next school year. Ron's mom and stepdad moved from California to Arkansas multiple times. Ron's schooling was interrupted each time and as a consequence, he almost quit school completely when he was 16. Ron decided to not go with the family back to Arkansas and was able to live with his Uncle Segal Dressel and his family while attending Lynwood Academy for his Junior and Senior years. Ron got a job at an auto wrecking yard and worked every day after school to help pay for his tuition. Ron graduated from Lynwood academy in 1952 being the first in his family to graduate from high school. Not long after graduation Ron was drafted into the Korean War in Feb of 1953, where he spent the next two years.

Ron's mother Thelma and Jeanie's mother Marie, met when they were 7 and 9 years old and became best friends for life, often exchanging pictures of their children throughout the years. Ron's mother Thelma sent Jeanie a cute little Japanese doll for her 17th birthday and encouraged Jeanie to write Ron in Korea and thank him. This started a correspondence between the two of them.

Ron came home in late December of 1954 and got a job at General Motors and soon bought his own car, a 1952 Dodge coupe. Ron later invited Jeanie to come to California and said, “ I would love to show you around!” They visited places like Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, and even Mexico. Needless to say, they had a wonderful time and Ron decided he didn't want to live without her. Jeanie's only question was “are you planning on attending college?” to which Ron replied “Yes”. As a result, Jeanie also said “Yes” when Ron asked her to be his wife. Ron and Jeanie were married on December 31st, 1955.

Following their wedding, Ron started furthering his education at Walla Walla College. He graduated from WWC in 1961 with a BA in History and Education. Following graduation, Ron accepted an offer from Auburn Adventist Academy to teach U.S. History and be assistant Boy's Dean. He later graduated with his MA in History in the summer of 1971.

Ron, Jeanie, Roger, and Marilyn moved to Auburn Adventist Academy in August of 1961, where he taught for the next 37 years. Over the years Ron sponsored many classes of seniors and also sponsored the Associated Student Body for over 15 years. Ron became quite famous for his “Northwest History Tour” for academic credit. Students looked forward to his well-planned tours, especially floating down the Salmon River.

Ron was also known for sponsoring ASB campaigns which over the years he helped to raise money to purchase several Greyhound buses, build the Industrial Arts Building, tennis courts, the Rodgers organ for the church, and the swimming pool complex that was later named The Miller Aquatic Center. Ron was also the building chairman for the Auburn Academy Church and many people fondly called him “Mr. Auburn Academy”. Ron estimated that he taught about five thousand students. He always loved to see former students as they were each special to him. Ron felt that his mission field lay with the students he taught. He loved and served the Lord all of his life and prayed for his friends, family, and students daily. Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and adored all six of his grandchildren. Some of his favorite memories are the summers when he would hitch up his John Deer riding mower to a wagon and drive the grandchildren on the airstrip, fishing, and playing Santa Clause at Christmas. Ron and his family long for the soon day when we will all be able to be reunited.

Ron is survived by his wife Jeanene (Jeanie) Rogers Miller of 64 years. Son Roger and wife Heidi Lisa, daughter Marilyn and husband Jay Graham. Son Dale Miller who passed away in 2018. Six grandchildren, Stephanie, twins Thomas & Douglas Graham. Twins Corvette & Kaschka, and Summer Miller. Ron's only full sister, Bonnie Jean Doeren proceeded him in death in 2017.

Memorial contributions for Ronald Miller can be made to Auburn Adventist Academy to help refurbish the Miller Aquatic Center.

5000 Auburn Way S. Auburn, WA 98092

Remembering Our Beloved Teacher: Ron Miller