Ruth Ilene Blair Miller, a beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted wife, passed away on November 18, 2025, at the age of 95. Her husband, Albert V. Miller, followed her just twelve hours later, marking the end of a remarkable 73-year journey together. Ruth’s life, which began on March 25, 1930, in Superior, Arizona, was shaped by her deep commitment to family and a diverse career that reflected her many talents.
After World War II, the Blair family relocated to Ukiah, California, where Ruth graduated from Ukiah High School in 1947. She began her professional life as a switchboard operator for Pacific Telephone, but her life took a significant turn when she married Al at the submarine base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on April 7, 1952. The couple welcomed their first child shortly after Al’s return to civilian life in 1953.
Al’s career with the California Highway Patrol took the family to various cities over the next 28 years, including Bakersfield, Upper Lake, Glendale, and Palm Desert. Throughout these years, Ruth balanced her roles as a homemaker and a professional. She held several positions, including a secretary and bookkeeper for the Upper Lake Unified School District, an administrative secretary at a Southern California hospital, and a staff member at a Dean Witter stock exchange office. Her welcoming demeanor shone through in her later role at the La Quinta Golf Resort, where she greeted guests, including notable politicians and celebrities.
Ruth possessed a wide array of interests. She found joy in sewing, photography, reading, writing, history, and genealogy. These pursuits illustrated her creativity and curiosity, as well as her commitment to preserving her family’s heritage.
After retiring, Ruth and Al lived in Colorado for five years before returning to Ukiah and later Marina, California. In 2016, they moved to Henderson, Nevada, to be closer to their son, Kent. Following Kent’s passing in early 2025, they resided with their granddaughter, Brianne Hidalgo, and her family.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, William Edwin Blair Sr. and Edith M. Tierney Blair, as well as her brother, William “Bill” Edwin Blair Jr., her sister, Barbara Blair Pittman, and her son, Kenton Miller. She is survived by her son, Keith E. Miller, of Denver, Colorado; her daughter, Kimberlee D. Schloss, of Marina, California; her granddaughters, Brianne E. Hidalgo and Riley Anne Schloss; and her great-grandchildren, Vivian Rose Hidalgo and Emerson Rey Hidalgo.
The profound dedication exhibited by Ruth and Al throughout their lives together serves as a testament to their enduring love. Their story resonates deeply with family and friends, leaving a legacy that will be cherished for generations.
In memory of Ruth, loved ones are encouraged to consider planting a living memorial to honor her life and legacy.
