Eveline Loretta Miller, 78, of Rapid City, died January 21, 2010 in Rapid City surrounded by her husband, sister, and children.
Born to Dora M. and Albert T. Larson on August 21, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas, Eveline was the epitome of southern charm and elegance. Her smile made everyone feel welcome and no one ever left her home hungry.
An amazing woman of grace and strength, Eveline enjoyed music, dancing, entertaining, gardening, and a good bargain. Her talents ranged from sewing costumes to building garages and remodeling. Yes, not only could Eveline do a mean two-step, but she could also swing a hammer -- she was our idol.
Eveline grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and honed her social skills by being active in organizations such as the Rainbow Girls (San Antonio Assembly No. 3) and the Breckenridge High Pep Squad (the Purple Jackets). After graduating high school, Eveline worked for the telephone company where she saved her paychecks and purchased a sewing machine. That sewing machine traveled with her from the Texas panhandle (Amarillo then Lubbock), to Los Alamos, NM, on to Denver, CO, Bartlesville, OK, and finally arrived in Rapid City, SD in December of 1968. On that machine she created costumes and clothing for her 4 children as well as slipcovers and draperies for her homes. Always active in her children’s lives, Eveline set an example of leadership and participation. Her capacity to love, however, was not limited to family – she was “mom” to every one of her children’s friends.
In November 1999, Eveline married August F. Miller and moved to Hermosa, SD. Together they grew mounds of vegetables, built a garage, and made their 40 acres “paradise.”
They maintained their connections in Rapid City, however, rarely missing Eveline’s weekly lessons with Curtis Binder’s organ class. In 2008, Eveline and August moved to Rapid City.
Eveline is survived by her husband August F. Miller of Rapid City; her sister Theo Pieper of Spring, TX; her children Kathy (Ron) Buck of Littleton, CO, Maury (Khosrow) Golshan of Laguna Beach, CA, Debbie Clum of Aurora, CO, and Michael (Donna) McCauley of Rapid City, SD; her step-children Cameron (Laurie) Miller of Hermosa and Mike (Marcia) Miller of Hermosa; her grandchildren Troy (Bekki) Golshan of Costa Mesa, CA, Heather, Robert, Amanda, & Mallory McCauley of Rapid City, Brandon Clum of Northglenn, CO, Cassie Clum of Lone Tree, CO; and her great-grandchildren Madison & Darya Golshan.
Memorial services will be on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 10:30 am at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City with Pastor Brent Woodard officiating. A lunch will follow the services at Somerset Court followed by inurnment at the Highland Park Cemetery in Hermosa, SD.
A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Hills, 224 Elk St., Rapid City, SD 57701.
Family and friends may sign Eveline’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com or http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/EvelineMiller/homepage.aspx