Rose Marie Miller

Rose (Rosie) Marie Miller went home to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 10, 2023. She passed away in the presence of loved ones at the age of 80. Born in Placentia, California on October 12, 1942, to Daniel and Mary Solorzano. Rosie began her leadership skills early on. She was the eldest of 6 children. Her personality and confidence were evident since she was a small child. She was very close to each of her 3 sisters and 2 brothers. The stories of her youth are a kaleidoscope of laughter, tears, tenacity, innovation and courage. Her work ethic was beyond measure. Her social skills paired her well with customer service, most especially waitressing. Using the power of warm peach cobbler, her beautiful smile and her waitressing charm, Rosie met her life partner, Robert (Bob) Miller. Their relationship was an adventure filled journey, and this April would be their 60^th wedding anniversary. Rosie and Bob settled initially in Lakewood, California where each of their 3 children were born. It did not take long before Rosie became very active within the Lakewood community. Most especially in community sports and recreation. Rosie was very athletic and loved to participate in many sports. Her favorites included softball, volleyball, and volley tennis. However, she enjoyed every sport and was not intimidated to try them all, except swimming. She was also an avid fisherman who had the patience to sit for hours on the banks of many California lakes. Shortly after her youngest was born, the family moved to Lakewood Village in Long Beach, California. Rosie started volunteering at the local elementary school where she became very active with the PTA and school activities. From 1977 to 2006, Rosie’s creativity, enthusiasm and uncontainable energy led her to be one of the most iconic representatives of youth recreation, activities and sports. Working for the Long Beach Unified School District as Recreation Leader for Mark Twain Elementary School, she had the pleasure to engage, influence, mentor and inspire over 30,000 students which included some multi-generational families. Her influence and inspiration were not limited to the students who commonly called her mom, but to all who knew her. Rosie had this magic that drew people in. After her 2006 retirement, her and Bob began their slow move to Ferndale, Washington. Although some would term this “snow-birding”, they did not follow the seasons accordingly. Rosie loved being in Ferndale. She loved everything about the Pacific Northwest. Officially becoming a permanent Ferndale resident in 2019 completed Rosie’s retirement journey. Even in retirement, Rosie’s magic carried over to the neighborhood children. The love within Rosie cascades over everything and everyone she connected with. As some may leave impressions on others, Rosie left her fingerprint on their hearts!

Rosie is survived by her husband of 61 years Robert (Bob) Miller; children Robert Miller Jr and wife Kelli, Ronald Miller, Raquel (Rocky) and husband Thomas Vernola; grandchildren Ryan, Jana, Megan, Alexandria and Nickolaus; great-grandchild Gunner; sisters Trini (Mike), Rebecca and Eliza (Katie); brothers Daniel and David; nieces Apryl, Marisa (Shawn), and Lisa (Kyle); nephew Michael Jr.; great nieces Kylie, Inara, Samantha, Olivia, and Haylee; great nephew Dylan; and many whom called her mom, sister, and friend!