Frank Miller

Frank R. Miller “Toweetmy”, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2017. Frank was born December 1, 1934 on the Yakama Reservation to Wheeler and Tsamy Miller. He was raised by his aunt Mary Pimms and uncle Henry Beavert. He was brought up in the traditional way on the Yakama Reservation, gathering and eating traditional foods and learning to appreciate everything that the land and Creator had given. In 1953 he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed in California and at numerous bases during his enlistment. Frank was on several tours aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN–65), the USS Hancock (CV–19), and the USS Bennington (CV–20). While enlisted he served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. After 20 years of proud service he retired, moved back home, and became a very active member of the Yakama Warriors Association, through which he made many lifelong friends. Once back home, Frank spent much of his time in the mountains that he called his Church. The mountains gave him peace of mind as well as the resources to provide for his family. Camping, hunting, fishing, and just being in the mountains were Frank’s way of life. He knew the lands as much as he loved them and he passed that love of nature onto many others. He was an avid photographer and he loved to share his photos of the scenery, wildlife, and plant life that he saw every day. Many of his photos are still on display around the Yakama Nation. Frank had a large family that gave him an excuse to stay busy. Rarely one to stay put, he would travel from one home to the next visiting his family, sharing meals, and telling stories of the way things used to be. His good humor and kind heart were as big as his appetite and he could never settle for just one slice of pie. He worked as the Director of the White Swan Community Center for more than 20 years until retirement and became a lifelong supporter of the White Swan community. When Frank wasn’t in the mountains you would most certainly find him in the bleachers or on the sidelines cheering on the White Swan Cougars. He would travel all across Washington State following his grandchildren and supporting White Swan athletics. He was a Cougar through and through. Frank is survived by his daughter Portia and her husband, John; sons Miles R. Miller and Dana C. Miller; daughter Veronica and her husband Leroy Powell; sons Keith Miller and Kevin Miller; grandchildren Sara Rae Shields; Kyle J. Shields and his wife, Amber; Lana Clark, and Karl Clark. Friend Geraldine A. Miller, Claudia Williams, and Sadanka Gutierrez. Nephews Gerald Lewis and wife Beverly, Virgil Lewis and wife Julia, Edwin Lewis and wife Devera. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters, and son, Ivan. The family would like to thank the doctors and Virginia Mason Memorial hospital staff. Dressing services will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 11:00am at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Wapato. Overnight services will be held Saturday and Sunday evening at the White Swan Longhouse. Burial will follow at sunrise Monday, May 21, 2017 at the Toweetmy Cemetery on Satus Pass. Condolences can be left for the family at www.valleyhillsfh.com Frank left us with these words: The mountains are my Church. The tall trees are the church steeples. My songs come from the birds and small animals. My candle light is the sun that shines through the trees. -Frank R. Miller U.S.N. Retired, Yakama Warrior To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frank Miller, please visit our flower store.