Billie Ruth Miller, 95, of Dubuque, formerly of Fond du Lac, WI passed on to a better world Saturday April 15, 2017. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2017 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Dubuque. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her loving husband, Russell. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church.
Billie Ruth was born March 9, 1922 in Wiggins, MS daughter of Ernest and Alice (Lott) Jenkins. Billie’s family soon moved to Gulfport, MS, where she and her sister grew up and spent many hours swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. She met the love of her life, Russell Miller, during World War II while he was stationed at Biloxi and Gulfport Fields in Mississippi. He and Billie Ruth were united in marriage on August 5, 1944 in Appleton, WI. After Russell returned from a tour in occupied Japan they resided in several Wisconsin cities before settling in Fond du Lac, WI for 61 years.
Billie Ruth relished her role as homemaker and mother. She never forgot her southern roots with the family making frequent trips to Mississippi and Texas. Billie’s southern drawl would thicken noticeably whenever she was on the telephone with her dear sister.
As Billie’s sons grew older and moved away, she embarked on a long career at the Fond du Lac Ben Franklin Store where many good friendships began. Billie was a member of Immanuel Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a long time member of the church’s Martha/Ruth Circle. Their cards and notes of love continued even after she moved away and were much appreciated.
Billie Ruth and Russell moved to Dubuque in 2013 to be closer to family. They made many friends at Luther Manor and joined First Congregational United Church of Christ. Russell and Billie Ruth were married for over 70 years.
Billie Ruth is survived by sons, William (Ann) Miller, Dubuque, and Robert (Rae Ann) Miller, Mauston, WI; grandchildren David (Sara) Miller, Epworth, IA and Emily (Todd Olmstead) Miller-Olmstead, Brooklyn, NY; and great-grandchildren Isabelle, Russell, James, Elizabeth, William and George Miller, Epworth, IA.
Billie Ruth was preceded in death by, and is now reunited with, her husband, sister and parents.
Memorials may be given to Immanuel Trinity Lutheran Church of Fond du Lac, First Congregational UCC of Dubuque or Hospice of Dubuque.
The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
The family extends special thanks to the staff at Luther Manor who provided Billie with love and comfort in her final days.