Arlene Louise Miller

Arlene Witherspoon Miller was born in San Antonio, Texas on December 22, 1933 to Albert and Aurora Witherspoon, and was the oldest of two daughters. From a very young age, Arlene was faced with some of life’s toughest lessons. Her mother passed away when Arlene was eight and the next several years she spent time with various aunts and family members.

She grew up learning how to cook, clean, and acquired a strong work ethic, becoming Valedictorian in a graduating class of over 450 students at her San Antonio Highschool.

Shortly after graduation, she married Bob Cowart who was in the Air Force and they made their home in France, where Pam and Cherie were born. Arlene made close friends of other military wives and locals and learned to speak French while living there. They returned to the States where they welcomed their third daughter, Vicki and were then stationed at the Burns Radar Base.

When the marriage ended in the early sixties, Arlene had already fallen in love with Harney County and decided to remain here to raise her family with the help of close and dear friends the Tiller and Swindlehurst families.

During this time, Arlene worked several different jobs including: night shift cleaning at the hospital; working in the hay fields; the Bowling Alley; taking in laundry and ironing; and becoming a teller at US Bank. It was at the bank that she began noticing a local cowboy waiting specifically for her to help him each time he came in. After a double date set up by mutual friends, Jack and Bonnie Smith, at the Harney County Fair, Clyde Miller became a welcomed and significant presence, and never left her side.

Clyde and Arlene were married in 1967 and one year later, Earlyna was born. Their life together was spent working for a short time at Rockcreek Ranch where Arlene enjoyed everything about rural living and ranch life. From cooking for the hay and branding crews, to following along in the stock truck while moving cattle, Arlene was always willing to help wherever needed.

Due to Clyde’s health problems, they moved back to Burns where Arlene began working at the Edward Hines Lumber mill graveyard shifts for several years. After a time, the Malheur Refuge hired Clyde, and the family lived at the various sub stations: The Double O, P Ranch and Buena Vista. During this time, Arlene became the Administrative Secretary at the Refuge Office and after working many years, she and Clyde both retired in the mid 90s and moved back to Hines.

For anyone who knew Arlene, they knew that her relationship with God was first and foremost in her life. Family was the next most important thing to her and she enjoyed countless activities over the years with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arlene loved teaching them about Jesus as well as how to make tortillas, sewing, traveling to sports activities and sharing the secret of making her award winning pies! She became “small town” famous in that department and enjoyed sharing this talent with many local friends.

Arlene had many wonderful friendships and enjoyed being involved in Bible Studies; Harney County Cattlewomen; various local church activities, cooking authentic Mexican food for her grandchildren’s sports teams and Spanish classes, and always keeping a pot of beans on for Clyde and any guests that might visit.

Shewas fluent in Spanish, and volunteered many times as an interpreter for friends and those in need.

She was an excellent cook and enjoyed sewing from a young age. Making many of her daughter’s clothing, and sewed beautiful dresses for special occasions: one daughter’s wedding dress; Homecoming, Prom,graduation dresses, and more.

Arlene truly loved people and had a gift for being kind and thoughtful,leavingyoufeelinglike you were the most special person in the room. She was sincere in wanting to help in any way she could and showed her love and support in many ways: heart-felt conversations, encouraging and inspirational cards and letters (with absolutely perfect penmanship); gorgeously wrapped gifts – but above all - she was a woman of steadfast and powerful prayer- for her family, friends and even strangers.

She had a heart for serving others less fortunate and was part of the Oaxaca Mexico Mission team for many years. Arlene loved watching old Western Movies, reading, traveling to visit family and friends, cooking and serving her community.

She was very much a “people” person, and was able to spend her last many years working downtown at Trends and Traditions; Gourmet and Gadgets; the Frenchglen Hotel, and volunteering where needed: such as delivering Meals on Wheels, hosting Bible Studies and visiting people in the hospital, the Aspens, and at their homes.

Arlene is survived by her four daughters: Pam, Cherie (Randy); Vicki and Earlyna (Steven); thirteen grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; her sister Alberta and numerous nieces and nephews.

To quote some of Arlene’s last words: “I love my family… God has been so good.”

*In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arlene’s memory to Crane Fellowship Church/Oaxaca Mexico Mission PO Box 827 Crane, OR 97732.