Ervin Miller passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on September 15, 2012, at the age of 94. He was born in Bessie, Oklahoma to Elsie (Carpenter) and Jesse Miller on January 1, 1918. The son of a farmer, he grew up with his seven brothers and sisters in Oklahoma during the Great Depression.
In January, 1941, he enlisted in the army, and after war was declared, he was stationed at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts. He met the love of his life, Santa Arello, on July 19, 1942, at Vernon Hill Park in Worcester while on a blind date when on leave from Ft. Devens. The many train and bus rides made between Ft. Devens and Worcester to visit Santa, gained him the nickname “Worcester” by his army buddies. Santa and Ervin were married at Camp Pickett, Virginia on March 10, 1943, prior to his leaving to fight in WWII. As a member of the 179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Division of the US Army, he participated in many battles from N. Africa through Italy, France, and Germany and was awarded the Bronze Star. Although he was decorated and proud of his service to his country, he spoke little of the war. All that his children knew is that he drove a truck. After the war, he and Santa moved to California where he worked for his brother, Elmer, building houses. After their son, Don, was born, they settled in Worcester and West Boylston, Massachusetts to raise their family.
Ervin was a carpenter by trade and a member of Worcester Local 107 United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. He worked on jobs that included building schools, office buildings, a museum, and a conference center. He also built two of the family homes, one in West Boylston and one referred to as “the Lady Bank house”. Any time a family member or friend needed help to fix something or remodel their homes, Ervin was there. Many of the cabinets he built for family remain in their homes today. Prior to retiring in 1980, he worked for Granger Brothers Construction in Worcester.
After his retirement, Ervin and Santa moved to Lacey, Washington in 1982 to be with their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, camping, watching the Red Sox and Mariners, and building and fixing things. He especially enjoyed visiting friends Oscar and Jewel Renfrow in Oklahoma and attending the annual 45th Division Reunion with them.
Ervin was a kind, caring, generous man, always ready to help family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Santa; his children Don Miller (Donella) and Gloria Mott (Robert); grandchildren Michael Miller (Deanna), Bill Miller (Shanaka), Amy Larrabee (Shane), Lori Delaney (Jon), and Adam Mott; great-grandchildren Rachael Miller, Bryon Avelar, Morgan and Cameron Cain, Kenny Miller, Kendyl Larrabee, and Corey Delaney; and numerous extended family in Massachusetts, California, and Oklahoma. Ervin is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Emery, Elmer, Jesse, Donnie and his sisters Pearl, Ginger, and Esther.
Funeral services are Saturday, September 22, 2012, at Mills & Mills, 5725 Littlerock Rd. SW, Tumwater, WA 98512. Viewing will begin at 9 AM with services at 2 PM followed by a reception.
The family would like to thank Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice for their assistance and the compassionate care given to Ervin and support given to the family. We especially want to thank Zeryn and Kathy.
In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations be made to:
Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice
Hospice Fund
413 Lilly Rd. NE
Olympia, WA 98506
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