Carol Marie (Sommerset) Miller

Carol was born on July 5, 1948 in Astoria, Oregon to Arnold and Anna (Trondsen) Sommerset. Carol grew up in close family home with her two sisters and loved being Norwegian! Losing her own mother at only 6, Carol was extremely close to her Grandmother. At 12, her grandmother passed and Carol often shared remarkable and loving stories of "Daddy & Grandpa". After years of being just the two men, Edna (Johnson) married Daddy. On September 19, 1970, Carol was united in marriage with Bruce Miller. While living in Portland, Oregon, they were blessed with their sons, Jeffrey and Paul. Carol’s passion was being a Mom and she thrived in this role!

In 1976, the family moved to Ontario, Oregon.

Carol’s goal was to get her boys involved in every activity from baseball, football, judo & track to dance, bowling, and piano. As a mother, Carol believed in supporting her sons and told them, ‘You can do anything!’ But Carol did not consider quitting an option. She thought if it was tough, it would strengthen their character and she’d be there to balance it with a kiss and hug. The family moved to Gresham, Oregon in 1985.

Carol was diagnosed with MS at 22, yet in fifteen years of extra-curricular activities Carol never missed an event for her boys. Carol was proud of being a wife & celebrating 51 years of marriage. She said the secret was unconditional love. This same unconditional love she wove through the tapestry of the Miller family-home which created a tight, four-person, unbreakable unit. The Miller family led by example in love, laughter and respect for one another. As a wife and mother, Carol set a high bar for her daughter-in-law’s, Didi & Erica.

Carol began her career in administration at Providence Medical Center. She then joined Jansen Beach Company, but it was her 21 years at Bonneville Power which brought her great pride in being an independent woman.

Carol adored her grandchildren and said it was the best part of life!

The phrase, ‘It’s Good for Him’ was Carol’s favorite. Whether it meant a scraped knee or losing a soccer game, she believed life’s challenges made you stronger.

Always humble, Carol shined at cooking, knitting, and painting. An avid canner, her sauces were the best and requested often. She loved her Blazers, her Beavers and following the NFL. Carol will be remembered for her honesty, quick advice, & belief in God. She is truly an irreplaceable friend and family member.

Carol is survived by her husband, Bruce, her children, Jeff and Didi (Zahariades) Miller; Paul and Erica (Reese) Miller; her grandchildren, Reese, Easton, and Niko; her sisters and their husbands, Loran and Arlene (Sommerset) Slothower; Dana and Juney (Sommerset) Bennett; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Carol passed surrounded by family and friends in the ICU Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside.

We know she has headed home and finally breached her one life regret, seeing her own Mother.

We believe she is now flying high and fluttering into each of our lives every once in a while.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family has requested a donation in memory of Carol Miller to the National M.S. Society at www.nationalmssociety.com