Virginia Miller

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and time of want, Virginia Miller filled her days with laughter, love, and plenty of moments surrounded by the ones she cherished. She was very quiet and reserved by nature, but it was easy to see that she had a heart of gold and was the sort of person who would do anything for anyone. A devoted wife and mother, Virginia was so proud to witness her family tree blossom to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her most priceless treasure. She has been called a shop-a-holic, but she never could turn down a great deal and loved spoiling others with her great finds. Deeply loved, Virginia will be forever missed while her memory remains near and dear to all who were blessed to know and love her.

It was great to be an American during the decade that we often refer to as the Roaring Twenties. Innovation led the way to prosperity and there were enormous strides forward taken in numerous ways. This was the decade that witnessed the explosion of Broadway and the introduction of the radio while legends Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth made baseball America’s favorite pastime. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1924 that was filled with great joy for Bessie Robinson as she welcomed a healthy baby girl into her bustling family on August 16th in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Virginia was the middle of eight children in her family, and she was raised alongside her siblings, Jay, Helen, Louise, Raleigh, Mabel, Dick, and Pat. Her mother was an amazing seamstress who also had more than enough to keep her busy in raising her children. Virginia attended local schools including Kalamazoo Central High School. She was strikingly beautiful on the inside and out, and her brothers put her name in for the Miss Kalamazoo Pageant. Not surprisingly, Virginia was a runner-up. She went on to graduate from high school in 1941.

New and exciting changes were in store for Virginia when she met the young man of her dreams, although it was in a rather unlikely way as he was dating one of her friends. His name was Bill Miller, and they met when he and Virginia’s friend came to visit Virginia while she was babysitting. He was so smitten with her from the moment he saw her that he told his mother that he was going to marry her before he even knew her. He promptly broke up with his girlfriend and asked Virginia out. At the time Bill was in the military and stationed in Mississippi, and with a desire to spend the rest of her life as his wife, Virginia went down there and they were married. Shortly thereafter, Bill was shipped overseas as these were the days of WWII. While he was gone, Virginia remained in Kalamazoo and worked at Consumers Power.

After being discharged, Bill returned to Kalamazoo where the couple soon started their family. Together Virginia and Bill were blessed to welcome three children including the twins, Sandy and Sharon, and three years later their son, Bill. Life was always a rush of activity in Virginia’s home as she was an extraordinary homemaker. She kept a clean home, which meant that pets were not allowed. They lived on the lake, and Virginia enjoyed sitting out on the deck in the morning with a cup of coffee. She also loved repainting things in the house and working in the yard, too. When her children were young they were members of Zion Lutheran Church. As her children grew and had families of their own, Virginia continued to delight in her family. She was thrilled to become a grandmother, and she was an active part of her grandchildren’s lives. Virginia came to all of their sporting events and various activities, just as she had with her own children, and she was the one to host all the family gatherings whether for holidays or just a Sunday dinner. She was an amazing cook, which was something her family fully appreciated.

In addition to caring for her family, Virginia found great fulfillment in her work. She had several jobs in accounting before finally ending up at Kmart. Virginia remained there for the rest of her career until retiring from the pharmacy where she was well known among the customers. Kmart went all out, too, since on the morning of her last day they sent a limo and had a red carpet out for her before the store opened. This was such a bittersweet day for Virginia since her mother also died that very same day.

Throughout her life Virginia was a woman of many interests. When they were young newlyweds, she and Bill often went out dancing, and although she loved being at home they did travel to Florida several times. However, her favorite place was Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Virginia was an avid K-Wings fan who went to nearly all of their games for as long as she was able. She loved the fact that her grandson is now a trainer for the K-Wings. Virginia also regularly watched the Tigers play baseball. Although she never drove, she did get out to shop as often as she could as she was a bit of a shop-a-holic. When it came to music, Virginia enjoyed big band music most.

Gracious, kindhearted, and genuine, Virginia Miller was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She was so lovable and a favorite among everyone as all of her children’s friends called her “mom,” and she was grandma to all her grandchildren’s friends, too. Although she was generally quiet, Virginia wasn’t afraid to tell you what she thought, either. She will never be forgotten.

Virginia Miller, of Scotts, died on December 13, 2014, at Rose Arbor. Virginia’s family includes her children: Sandy (Scott Seekman) Dewar, Sharon (Bob) Allison, Bill (Sally) Miller; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Bill; siblings: Jay, Helen, Raleigh, Louise, Mabel, Dick and Pat. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Wednesday, December 17th from 10:00-11:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (269 649-1697). A funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Virginia’s family includes her children: Sandy (Scott Seekman) Dewar; Sharon (Bob) Allison, Bill (Sally) Miller; 5 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years Bill; siblings: Jay, Helen, Raleigh, Louise, Mabel, Dick and Pat. Please visit Virginia’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to DeVos Children's Hospital.