Effie May Miller 1913-2011

Effie was born to Leo Tyler Sweet and Sarah Ann Lanagan on April 29, 1913 in Skaneateles Falls, NY. She was the eldest of nine children. Effie accepted hard work as a youngster and did not like to be idle. In the summer she turned 16, she left home and went to work in the Adirondack Mts. waitressing at a lodge. It must have been during this time in her life she learned if she set her mind to something, she could achieve her goals.

At the age of 18, Effie decided to elope with Charles S. Miller. They had a very long and happy marriage of 63 years until Charles died in 1994. Effie and Charles moved from New York to the Tri City area and operated a Union 76 Station/Garage on Kennewick Avenue for many years. Effie lived in the Tri City area for over 48 years. She also worked as a cook in the Christ the King and Saint Joseph's Church Rectories keeping the Priests well fed. She enjoyed this work in the later years of her life as she fondly remembered those Priests to whom she served. Effie was a member of the Parish of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kennewick as well as the Catholic Daughters of America.

Effie also loved music and had a passion for dancing. As a youngster she would dance the Charleston and other popular steps of the time. Even when she couldn't walk anymore, she would "dance" in her wheelchair every chance she could. Effie was proudest of her four children, 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.

Effie passed away August 12th at Life Care Center in Kennewick. She was 98 years old. Effie leaves behind an amazing legacy consisting of strength of character, passion of soul, an unrivaled work eithic, and a drive to make the best out of anything. She is comfortable now after a long life of service. She will be missed by all.

She is survived by her brother, Frederick Sweet of Mottville, NY, daughters, Dorothy Ed Cronauer, Federal Way, WA - Mary Ann Smart, Vancouver, WA - Helen Bruggeman, Kennewick, WA – son, Charles M. Miller, Pasco, WA – as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Effie was preceded in death by her husband- Charles S. Miller and granddaughter, Leslee Miller.

Viewing will be held Tuesday, August 16, 5:00pm – 8:00pm with Rosary at 7:30pm at Einans Funeral Home, Richland, WA. Funeral mass to be held Wednesday, August 17, 11:00am at Parish of the Holy Spirit in Kennewick. Graveside service following at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland WA.

In lieu of flowers please offer donations to Effie's favorite charity; St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105