Jean Rene (Hale) Miller

A dedicated wife, wonderful mother, loving grandma, beloved sister and friend. Jean Rene Miller, aged 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, Idaho with those she loved beside her. Her faith in God gave her strength during her life and most certainly was a comfort to her at the end.

Born on May 29, 1936 in Oakland, California, she was the third of four daughters to Fredrick and Wahneeta Hale. She grew up near the coast and spent many years in Oakland with her family.

She married Arthur B. Miller Sr. on April 28, 1956 and committed her life to him and to raising the 5 children from his previous marriage. This allowed him to continue his service in the Army. She later gave birth to 7 more children and was a loving mother to all 12 children. Arthur worked very hard and Jean enjoyed supporting her family as a housewife for many years. They enjoyed 30 happy years of marriage.

As a homemaker raising 12 children, Jean was a talented seamstress who made clothing for her family and friends. Her craftsmanship was so exceptional that even teachers at school requested custom pieces from her. She later took on various jobs to support her family, demonstrating remarkable determination and adaptability. She worked as one of the first bookkeepers at Albertsons on State Street, where Joe Albertson himself mentored her. After moving to Reno, Jean worked nights as a change girl at The Nugget Casino. She met many entertainers there and kept a cherished collection of autographs with Liberace being her favorite. Later the family moved to Parma and Jean embraced rural life wholeheartedly by raising hay for sale, bartering eggs from her chickens and canning vegetables to sustain the household.

Following the passing of her loving and devoted husband, Arthur B. Miller Sr., Jean took on new roles to provide for her family. She worked at Papa Aldo’s Pizza and earned pizzas on every shift. Her son Billy joined her at work and their tie together was filled with laughter. She eventually became a manager. Determined to remain self-sufficient despite financial hardships, Jean later secured employment with Micron Technology. However, after battling colon cancer and enduring a difficult recovery process, she was unable to maintain the demanding schedule. Refusing to let adversity define her, she found work at St. Alphonsus hospital in food service and remained there until retirement.

In retirement Jean poured herself into maintaining her beloved home which was built for her by her devoted husband Arthur. She meticulously attended to her flower beds and took great pride in making her yard the envy of the neighborhood. The home was always a welcome place to visit for friends and family over the years. Their home stands as a symbol of the shared love and dedication between Jean and Arthur. Jean remained faithful to Arthur for 69 years.

Her hobbies reflected both practicality and joy whether it was sewing beautiful garments for loved ones or embarking on competitive yard sale adventures with family members. She found excitement in racing others to “the best find of the day” and relished these moments of friendly rivalry.

Jean’s greatest joy came from caring for others and in her later years her grandchildren were very important to her. She extended love, support and generosity to so many people in need without hesitation or expectation of anything in return. Her giving heart earned her the title of “Momma” from many who were blessed by her kindness.

She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her, especially her confidant and best friend, Karen Randolph. Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Sr, as well as her sons Kenneth Alan Miller, Lawrence Benjamin Miller and James Warren Miller. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will endure through the generations and is survived by 4 children plus a beloved bunch of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her faith remained unshakeable throughout her life. Raised as a strict Catholic but embracing other teachings alongside her Baptist husband, Jean ensured that worship was central to family life. She prayed fervently for everyone she loved and even those who didn’t know how to pray for themselves. To her last breath, she remained devoted to God. Jean Rene Miller will forever be remembered as a loving mother, a tireless worker, a beautiful friend and an unwavering pillar of faith. Her generosity knew no bounds and the impact of her kindness will live on in the lives of those she touched. Thank you, Lord, for the time we all got to spend with her. We know that Arthur and those others who passed before her have welcomed her home to heaven. May she rest in peace knowing she was deeply cherished. March 4, 2025 God took his angel home.