Miller, Gloria Faye
Gloria Faye Miller, 85, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017.
She was born in September of 1931, in Old Glory, TX, to Quant and Pearl Caudle. She grew up with her three sisters, Vonnell, Doris, and Mary Jo, who were life-long friends. Gloria graduated from Whiteface High School, in Whiteface, TX and continued her education at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM. In 1953, she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Music, and later received a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the same University.
It was during her college years that Gloria met the love of her life, Curtis Dale Miller. They were married in Levelland, TX in January of 1951 and were together for over sixty-six years. Gloria spent most of her career in Lovington, NM where she served Lovington Public Schools in various capacities which included a first grade teacher, a school counselor, and ultimately Director of Elementary Education. She was a world class teacher and was told by many parents and former students that she was the best teacher ever. Many of the educational programs she helped to begin in Lovington are the foundation for those that continue today.
Gloria was always busy with additional activities and she was highly sought after for her organizational and leadership skills. She worked on several successful political campaigns including serving as campaign manager for the initial election of former Lea County State Senator Bill Lee. Gloria also served as campaign lead for U.S. Congressman Harold Runnels. She helped her husband to be elected to two terms as a Lovington City Council Member. Also, Gloria was selected to produce and direct the Miss New Mexico Pageant when it was held in Lovington. Before retiring, Gloria and Curt became entrepreneurs, where they owned the local Montgomery Ward Store and a Driver Education School.
Gloria and Curt retired to Ruidoso, NM in 1989 and lived there for over 20 years. They had many friends and "knew everyone in town." They lived on the Cree Meadows Golf Course and spent their retirement days playing golf, bridge, going to parties, eating out at the many local restaurants, and traveling. Gloria especially loved to go to the casino to play the slot machines and going to the race track to play the ponies. She loved doing these activities with her sisters and friends. It was also in Ruidoso where Gloria met her dear and cherished friend, Dean Gunstream Smith.
In 2011, Gloria and Curt moved to Albuquerque, NM, where they took care of Gloria’s beloved little dog, Brandy, who was with her for 15 years. In Albuquerque, she was surrounded by love and loyalty from her husband and from her children and grandchildren.
Gloria Faye Miller is survived by her husband, Curtis; her daughter, Misti; her son, Michael, along with his wife, Jackie, and their three daughters, Jessica, Michelle, and Maya. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters in law, Sid and Gaye Miller, Don and Marilyn Babers, and Gwen Harrison; and her nieces, and nephews, Jerry, Marcia Kay, Gary, Brent, Susan Carrie, Sidney, Bill, Terri, Doni, Sonna, Steven, Kathy, Sydney, Jeff, Trish, Brent and their families.
Family and friends will always love and remember Gloria for her generosity and vibrant personality. We know Gloria is sending the "Ya-Ya Sisters" lots of love.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p. m. at the home of Michael and Jackie Miller. Please call 505-480-8724 for directions.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gloria’s name to the Animal Humane New Mexico, 615 Virginia St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
Please visit our online guestbook for Gloria at www.FrenchFunerals.com