Yvonne Rose Miller, 85

Yvonne "Vonnie" Rose McKeever Miller, 85, of Beaverton, Oregon, passed away July 13, 2024.

Vonnie was the twelfth child of thirteen born to John Eugene "Gene" and Hazel (Groombridge) McKeever on Feb. 26, 1939, in Forsyth, Montana. She spent several years living on a farm with her twelve siblings and parents in a 2-bedroom farmhouse, and she had many stories to tell about how close the family was, how formative those years were living off the land her father worked, and how tight the bonds became among her brothers and sisters.

In high school, she worked as a phone operator for the local telephone company. She met Glenn Miller, and they were married on Sept. 14, 1957. They had five children, Lanae, twins Scott and Kurt (passed away shortly after birth), Michelle, and Josh. She and Glenn were divorced in 1979, after which she moved to Kalispell and worked as a highly respected optician for Dr. Donald James Alzner until his retirement. She then moved to Glendale, Arizona where she worked for Eye Masters and lived with her son, Josh.

Following the birth of her first granddaughter, Hannah, Vonnie moved to Beaverton, Oregon and purchased a condominium just a short distance away from her daughter, Michelle. She helped care for her granddaughters, Hannah and Hallie, a highlight of her life, until September 2015 when she suffered a stroke. She lived at Canfield Assisted Living Facility for nearly nine years where she enjoyed reading, watching sports, and talking with her siblings, children, and grandchildren.

In February, Vonnie celebrated her 85th birthday together with all four of her children and all three of her granddaughters, which was a memory she cherished. On July 10, 2024, Vonnie suffered another major stroke, and she passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ray, Dan, Tom, Don, Jim; and sisters, Helen, Peggy, Kay, and son Kurt.

She is survived by sisters, Jean, Pat, Carol, and brother, Jack; daughters, Lanae and Michelle (Steve), sons, Scott (Kirsten) and Josh; and granddaughters, Hannah, Hallie, and Elie; as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews. 

She passed away surrounded by the love of her family and to the beautiful music sung by her granddaughter, Hallie.

Donations in Vonnie's memory may be made to the American Stroke Association at www.stroke.org.

Finley-Sunset Mortuary and Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Oregon is caring for the family. To leave condolences for the family visit www.dignitymemorial.com.