Ruth Miller

Ruth P. Miller, age 82 of Erie, passed away quietly at her residence, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, September 16, 2017. She was born in Greene, New York on April 18, 1935, a daughter of the late Carl E. and Dorothy K. Purple.

Ruth was a graduate of Norwich High School. She attended and graduated from Alfred University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  She then attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Pennsylvania School Nurses Certification.  Ruth met her husband, Dr. Tom Miller, II, at Memorial Hospital in Syracuse, New York. They then came to reside and raise a family in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.  Ruth worked as a nurse at her husband’s office for six months and then continued to raise her family of four children.  She was a part-time school nurse for Edinboro University in the Ghering Health Center.   Ruth was a school nurse in the General McLane School District for many years where she received the Golden Apple Award for her service.

Ruth was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant where, along with her husband, she was co-president of the ushers Guild.  She was a member of PEO Chapter X and Profit One Investment Club of Erie. Ruth was also a former member in the Order of The Eastern Star.  She loved to travel especially internationally, visiting Portugal, Spain and Belgium with her husband and their special friends, the Rouffaers.  Ruth was a very strong woman and will be remembered as very determined, independent and one who was always kind to all.

The Miller family would like to acknowledge Dr. Reusche and Dr. Rowane of Erie, as well as Dr. Reddy of the Cleveland Clinic, for their expertise and exceptional care and extend a very special thank you to Lynn Weisert, RN and Kelly Johnson, RN of Great Lake Hospice, for their excellent and compassionate care during Ruth’s final illness.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Virginia K. Purple.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. Tom Miller, II as well as their children, Dr. Susan Evans (Dr. William Phelps) of Erie, Nancy Ermer (Steve) of York, Nebraska, Tom Miller, III (Rebecca) of Edinboro and Robert Miller (Esma) of Cleveland, Ohio.  She is further survived by her grandchildren, Ian, Andrew (Kelly) and Ben (Dana) Miller, Dr. Ashley Ermer (Dr. Paul Whiteside), Chelsea (Dr. Michael) Klinginsmith, and Hilary and Steven (Christina Langer) Evans.  Also four great-grandchildren survive her, Norah, Wyatt, Ruby Sue and Lola as well as her sister-in law, Celia (Thomas) Cionek.

Friends may call at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7^th Street, Erie, PA 16501 on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. for visitation in the McBrier Chapel until the time of service at 2:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7^th Street, Erie, PA 16501 or a charity of one’s choice.  

Send Condolences at www.BurtonFuneralhome.com.