Obituary: Miller, Verda Valda (Manes)
Age 88
Verda lived in Spokane, WA the last 3 1/2 years she previously lived in Harrington, WA, for 53 years.
Verda was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Donivan (2014).
Siblings Lee, Milford, Alfred, Zola, and Almon all predecease her and they passed away in order of birth, from oldest to youngest, a fact that Verda was fond to remark.
She is survived by her children, Dennis (Mary) of Chewelah, WA; Jay (Annette) of Deer Park, WA; Vicki (Bill) Forssell of Lynnwood, WA; and Daren (Sonya) of Spokane, WA.
10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Verda graduated high school in Stites, ID, in 1945.
She grew up in a farming/ranching family and as a high school student she worked as a live-in companion in Grangeville, ID; as a farm hand and caregiver for her brother in Kooski, ID.
Following high school she worked in the Willamette Valley Paper Mill in Camas, WA; telephone switchboard operator in Grangeville, ID; Avon Representative in Genesee, ID.
After moving to Harrington, WA Verda sold Avon for a short time and then she spent her days as a homemaker raising their children.
After they were grown she worked at the Harrington school as a kitchen lunchroom aide, a Para aide then a school bus driver.
Verda married Donivan Miller on September 4, 1946, after corresponding with him for 17 months while he served in Europe during WWII.
Donivan was in boot camp in Texas with Verda’s brother, Almon and he “introduced” his sister to Donivan one day while sharing family photos.
The “rest is history.”
Verda was a faithful parishioner and willing volunteer for her entire adult life at the Harrington Evangelical United Brethren Church (later the Harrington United Methodist Church), the Harrington Community Church, and the Harrington Church of the Nazarene.
She was a member of the Spokane Bethel Church of the Nazarene where she attended after her move to Spokane.
Verda also provided monthly ministry to the residents of the Davenport, WA Nursing Home for over 20 years prior to living in Spokane.
As a tribute to the cultured life she enjoyed, Verda saw the potential in an old building that once housed the Harrington Opera House.
It first opened in 1904 on the main street in town but over time would eventually close.
In 1992 with the help of Douglas Rudkoff who had recently moved to Harrington (and restored old buildings) and Bob Luke the City Attorney (who owned the building) her vision was seen and he deeded the building over to a non-profit organization for $1.00.
After much perseverance the restoration was complete and the first public event held in1996 and it continues to hold concerts, activities and other various events.
Four of the eight original committee members remain all still living in Harrington, the rest have passed on.
Verda was indeed proud of what they were able to accomplish.
A government grant was recently received to finalize the installation of the elevator.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Spokane Bethel Church of the Nazarene (1111 S. Thor St.), on Saturday, September 12th at 3:00pm.
Graveside services will follow on September 13th at 3:00pm at Hillcrest Cemetery in Harrington, WA.
Memorial donations can be made to the Harrington Opera House Society, P.O.
Box 618 Harrington, WA 99134 or Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.