Janet Louise (Kvalheim) Miller

Janet Louise (Kvalheim) Miller lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer on November 2, 2010. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her husband, their children, and her little dog, Charlie. Janet lived in Auburn almost all of her life. She attended Auburn High School where she met and fell in love with Richard (Dick) Miller. They were married at Messiah Lutheran Church on November 12, 1949. Through the years, Janet worked at several financial institutions, and as a library technician at Green River Community College. But her main focus in life was her family. Janet’s love of children was well known. She nurtured not only her own children, but also her children’s friends, and a number of foster children who lived with the Miller family. She also volunteered at the Pediatric Interim Care Center, rocking drug-exposed newborns. And then along came grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a miniature schnauzer named Charlie Brown for her to shower with love. In going through some pictures, we found a clipping mom had saved from a newspaper. When we read it, we felt it described the way she had lived her life. If you knew Janet, you’ll know what we mean. Here’s an excerpt from the article: “Seniors have a very important part to play in positive role modeling and in teaching their children and grandchildren how to take time for others; to be a generous giver; to help others win in life; to love your children just as they are – not as you would like them to be; to love your grandchildren even if they are not being raised the way you would raise them; to grow old gracefully; to enjoy life.” Janet is survived by her husband Dick, children Pam Miller (Pat); Kelly Schwieger (Mark); Bill Miller (Sheila); and Susan Miller; grandchildren Erik, Logan, Luke, Clint, Daniel, Paul, Jesse, Michael, Jake, Alex, Julie, Morgan, Marshall, Jesse, and Travis; and great grandchildren Preston, Brookelynn, and Johnathin. And, of course, her little dog Charlie Brown. At Janet’s request, a service will not be held. Instead, the family will be gathering together on what would have been Janet and Dick’s 61st wedding anniversary to celebrate Janet’s life and remember all of the good times that this large family enjoyed while flourishing under her love and support. The family suggests that memorial gifts be made to a charity of your choice that benefits children or cancer research.

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