Robert Ray Miller
Robert Ray Miller, dedicated family man, lover of life, and devoted Christian passed away peacefully in his Los Ranchos home on Sunday, February 21, 2021.
Bob was born in 1933 in Irving, KS and spent his childhood with his 5 siblings on the family farm. His childhood in rural Kansas instilled in him a love of animals, nature, community, and, most importantly, family. At age 12, he began working to support his family after the loss of his 2 brothers which helped him to develop a strong work ethic that encompassed everything he did. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. After his service, Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education from Kansas State University as well as a master’s degree in Industrial Education from the University of Northern Colorado.
He spent many rewarding years as an Industrial Arts educator at Menaul School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He then went on to set up the Industrial Arts/ Automotive education program at Technical Vocational Institute (TVI) in Albuquerque where he taught as well as became the Director of Education for Vo-Tech Institute, Albuquerque Branch program.
After leaving Vo-Tech Institute, Bob opened his own automotive repair shop at Central Ave and University Blvd in Albuquerque. During this time, Bob started and became the charter president of the first IASA organization in Albuquerque. After “retirement” Bob passionately pursued his entrepreneurial interests and delighted in running into former students and colleagues.
Bob loved his many careers; however, his favorite “job” was fulfilling his numerous roles in the congregation of the Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian church. Over the course of his 50 years in the church, Bob served in many capacities. He worked on the committee to plan the renovation and enlargement of the church as well as working on the crew to build the church’s columbarium. He served many times over the years in the roles of deacon and elder of the church. He was active in the men’s bible study, the choir, Sunday school, and in any other capacity that the church needed. At any church gathering, Bob could be found providing a willing ear, a warm smile, a wry joke, or a word of encouragement. He was famous for his ability to seek out hesitant visitors and shy individuals where his warmth and welcoming nature immediately put them at ease. Bob was also an active member, spiral leader, and area coordinator of Marriage Encounter.
His hobbies included wood working, home improvement, and automotive repair. He often made handmade gifts for family birthdays and holidays as well as functional items for personal use. He enjoyed sports, particularly basketball, and could always be found rooting for Kansas State teams. He also loved the fellowship of gathering friends and family together. He often travelled back to Kansas to see family and old friends, to Nevada, Texas, New York, and California to keep up with his growing family.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, William Miller, Norman Miller, Janice Mentgen, Joyce Hoffman, and Roseanne Miller. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janet Miller; his daughters, Melanee Hand and husband, David, Aimee Zabst and husband, Richard; his son, Robert Miller and wife, Liana; his stepsons, Karl Monk and wife, Diane, Alan Monk and husband, Joseph Cedillo, Dan Monk and wife, Rhonda, Stephen Monk and wife, Michelle; his grandchildren, Jennafer Shurter, Alison Shurter, Kyle Zabst and wife, Mallorie, Rachel Zabst, Chandra Miller, Heather Miller, Samantha Galan and husband, Tilo, Nicholas Miller, Erika Meek and husband, Eric, Travis Monk and wife, Kathryn, Nicolas Monk, Cian Monk, and Ella Monk; great-grandchildren, Audrie Zabst, Parker Meek, and Ellison Meek. He is also survived by his first wife, Joanne Roman as well as multiple cousins and countless friends.
There will be a private interment. A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date. Donations in Robert Miller’s name should be made to Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church and Hospice of New Mexico. Please visit our online guestbook for Robert at www.FrenchFunerals.com.