Jean Marie Miller died peacefully on Sept. 5 at the age of 87 surrounded by family in her home in Keizer, Ore.
She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Juanita and Ray Falk. She and her sister Darlene and brother Ron lived across the U.S., as her father played in bands and worked as a handyman. She attended Eugene High School and continued friendships made there until her death.
She married Gary Miller, the owner of the Cottage Grove-Eugene Freight company, and lived in Cottage Grove, raising their children, Lisa, Tami, and Todd. She was married to Vern Coop, of Cottage Grove, during midlife. The last years of her life, she enjoyed the companionship of Gary Leslie, of San Diego, in Keizer.
Jean worked at Lane Community College in the counseling department while raising her children. She undertook the ambitious challenge of becoming a nurse during midlife. She prided herself on being her own property manager for several rentals.
She had a lifelong passion for Dixieland Jazz and big band music. She enjoyed a challenging game of Bridge, and became a football fan, especially following the UO. Back in the day, her children recall her cutting a rug at the Rod & Gun club and the Elks in Cottage Grove with friends, enjoying drinks and laughs together. During her last years, she enjoyed European cruises with Gary and relaxing with him on the patio of her home, watching the golfers on the 17th green.
She is survived by daughters Lisa Sargent (Jim) of Sacramento, Tami Nikitins (Dahn) of Creswell and son Todd Miller of Cottage Grove; grandchildren Heather Casey of Cottage Grove, Adam McCarty of San Diego, and Tahni Nikitins of Bothell, Washington; and great-grandchildren Emilia and Eliana Casey and Harrison, Francis, and Charlie McCarty.
A private remembrance gathering at the graveside for immediate family will be held. The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Meals on Wheels and Willamette Valley Hospice.
