Joyce E. Miller

HAMILTON - Joyce Elaine Miller, 70, of Hamilton passed away Saturday, November 19, 2011. She was born May 21, 1941 to Carl W. and Lillian I. Saunders in Scobey, MT.
The family moved to Hamilton in 1948 where they owned and operated a Grade A Dairy with the first pipeline milker in the valley.
Joyce attended school in Hamilton. She married Carl C. Miller on June 14, 1957. Joyce worked for a short time at Valley View Estates before becoming employed at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the nursing staff for 36 years, before retiring in 1999.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Carl W. Saunders and Lillian I. Brookman; and her grandson, Matthew Ward. She is survived by her husband, Carl C. Miller of Hamilton; her children, Mike (Joanne) Miller of Hamilton, Kathy (David) Courser of Hamilton, Lori (Tommy) Blumhoefer of Hamilton and Larry (Lori) Miller of Missoula; 1 brother, Carl (Doris) Saunders, Jr.; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Joyce leaves behind many friends and will be missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Patrick Hospital, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Christianson, Dr. Lemire, Carla Trulson, Kim Jessop and Della Wood for all of their support and caring for her.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Northwest Lung Association, 2802 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336.