Rutilla M. 'Ruth' Miller

MADISON-Rutilla M. Miller (nee Theis) passed away on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 at All Saints Assisted Living. Rutilla was born on April 20, 1919, in the town of Dane, the daughter of Antonia and Nicholas Theis. She was one of eight children raised by her widowed mother on a farm in the Springfield-Lodi area. During her early school years, Ruth traveled by horse and buggy to St. Martin’s Catholic School in Martinsville. Later, she moved to Maple Bluff to become a maid at the R. T McGuire household, owner of the Simpson Department Store, where she met her husband to be, the butler. Ruth married Max F. Miller on Aug. 21, 1941. Together they raised seven children on Madison’s Eastside. Her sister, Francis, and son, Ronald lived with the Miller’s and were part of the family. Traveling became a yearly activity, driving an Oldsmobile 98 throughout Wisconsin, South Dakota, Wyoming, New York, Las Vegas, Florida, and Mexico. After 50 years, the children still love the idea of adventure and travel. They were encouraged to do well in school and all were provided with a college education. Ruth still found time to volunteer for many years at Karmenta Nursing Home, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and the Catholic Social Services. Also, Ruth was a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church and its Altar Society. She was a member of the Elk’s Club, and the Eastside Businessmen’s Club. Ruth is survived by her four daughters, Janet (Michael) Toner, Sharon (Dennis) Kamperschroer, MaryLou (Nicholas) DeFino, and Marlene Miller; three sons, Gary (Mary Rhoades), Duane (Jane) Miller, and Kenneth; grandchildren, Patrick and Megan Toner, Mia, Rosalie, and Louis DeFino, Maxwell and Lauren Miller; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Lily, and Daniel Toner; she is also survived by her sister, Tharsella Kaltenberg. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brothers, Werner, Arnold, Meinrod, and Leonard; and sisters, Francis and Isabelle. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. The Miller family will be forever grateful to the wonderful caregivers of All Saints Assisted Living for the compassionate, loving care that Ruth was given the last 3 ½ years of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorials maybe made to AGRACE Hospice Care Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI. 53711. Cemetery: Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials maybe made to AGRACE Hospice Care Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI. 53711. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011.