Ruthanne & Robert Miller

Robert, age 89, passed away September 29, 2009 at Friendship Village Healthcare Center after a brief hospitalization stemming from an extended illness. He was born August 28, 1920 in Dayton, Ohio. Preceded in death by his parents, Harve H. Miller (who died when Robert was 10 months old) and Ida Catherine (Bright) Miller, and by sisters, Elizabeth Francis (Miller) Lane and Sylvia (Miller) Marion. Robert was placed in Shawn Acres for three years before he attended high school, when his mother was unable to care for him. Robert graduated from Madison High School in Trotwood in 1939. Robert attended Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana and Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He graduated from Purdue with Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry in 1942. Robert had worked multiple jobs at Max Irmscher & Sons, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, as a contract laborer and with the Post Office on a mail cancelling machine simultaneously, to put himself thru college. After college, he enlisted in the Navy and served for over three years as a Fire Controlman Third Class, earning numerous medals during World War II. He was granted an honorable discharge in October 1945. After his discharge from the service, he was hired as a laborer for one of the tree crews at the City of Dayton. After hours, Robert maintained part-time positions with Anchor Fence Co. and Yellow Cab. After passing the Civil Service exam he went on to fill several positions including Assistant Superintendent of Park Maintenance, Superintendent of Park Maintenance, and Municipal Arborist for the City of Dayton, spanning 33 years until he retired in 1979. Also during this period, he worked part-time for Ohio Tree Consulting Service and Magic Stump Removal Company (tree services). Following retirement, Robert worked for Davey Environmental Services as a Consulting Arborist and later for ACRT as an Environmental Specialist providing consulting to municipalities, institutions, companies, and government agencies assisting with development of tree programs, including street tree inventories, master street tree plans, contract specifications, budgets, organizations, use of equipment scheduling operations and also privately to individuals. Robert was extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the appraisal of landscape, tree, and shrub evaluation and casualty loss value. Teaching fundamentals in tree care and landscaping. He had field experience in diagnosing insect and disease problems on trees and landscape plantings and making control recommendations. Additionally, Robert became a Real Estate Sales Agent from 1978-1999. After his second retirement, Robert returned to Ohio Tree Consulting Services and also was a Residential Real Estate Appraiser in Ohio. Robert was a member of numerous professional organizations throughout his career including the International Society of Arboriculture, Inc.; the Society of Municipal Arborists, where he was a founding member, President 1970-1972, Executive Secretary/Treasurer 1978-1984, Editor of City Trees (monthly newsletter) 1978-1982; Dayton Area Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, State of Ohio Board of Realtors for 21 years, and National Residential Appraisers Institute for 7 years. Ruthanne, age 86, passed away October 24, 2009 at Friendship Village Healthcare Center after lengthy battle with Alzheimers and the loss of her soul mate. She was born April 5, 1923 in Logansport, Indiana. Preceded in death by her parents, Ellis and Mary Alice (Boyer) Butterbaugh and by sister, Bernice (Butterbaugh) Dewitt. Ruthanne graduated Valedictorian of her class at Arcola High School, Ft. Wayne, Indiana in 1941. She worked full-time as an Armature Supervisor at General Electric and part-time as a waitress at Jacksons Restaurant in Ft. Wayne. Ruthanne attended Sinclair College after moving to Dayton and studied shorthand and typing. She worked as a secretary at A.O. Smith for several years and part-time in appliance sales at Rikes. Ruthanne was a stay-at"home mom while their children were small. She kept busy being Bobs secretary for his many businesses and associations. As their children were in middle school, the Miller family fostered 23 infants, straight from the hospital at only a few days old, while the babies were waiting for adoption finalization, which usually lasted 6-8 weeks. The last two babies were a set of twins, who stayed for nine months. As the Miller children went into high school, Ruthanne went back to work in a secretarial position at the City of Trotwood, where she stayed for over fifteen years. It was at the Jacksons Restaurant in Ft. Wayne, that Bob first met Ruthanne. He would stop there at night for his fourth meal of the day, rushing thru the restaurant to the bathroom, telling her what he wanted, and when he came out, she would have his meal on the table waiting for him. They were married on September 13, 1947 at the Ft. Wayne Church of the Brethren and just celebrated their 62nd anniversary this year. Bob and Ruthanne were members at Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren in Dayton. They participated in the church bowling league for many years. Bob and Ruth both loved the outdoors. They planted huge vegetable and flower gardens and had many animals that came to live at the farm over the years including the cats, dogs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, steers, and donkeys. The buffalos next door even came to visit the garden one summer day long, long ago. They built their dream house next door in the field and lived there 35 years. The bare field was transformed into a beautiful landscape with the many varieties of trees and flowers that were planted over the years, creating a natural wall of privacy. Another favorite pastime was playing cards. Ruthanne played Bridge with ladies in the church and as a couple they played Pinochle with several friends every month. Anytime there was a family gathering, after all the good food was eaten, the cards or games would come out. They enjoyed playing Euchre, Poker, Canasta, or Yathzee. In addition to the fabulous meals Ruthanne would prepare, she also loved music, whether she was playing the clarinet in the band in high school, playing the piano or just listening, you would always catch her tapping her toes. Bob and Ruth moved into a cottage at Friendship Village eleven years ago. Ruthanne liked to tend to her small flower gardens. Bob took advantage of the woodshop to create treasures for family and friends. Bob enjoyed wearing tee-shirts with clever sayings and he was known for always having his toothpick. Robert and Ruthanne are survived by a daughter, Robin (Miller) Bobak, and a son, Rodney (Debra) Miller and three grandchildren, Patrick Bobak, Daniel Miller, and Ashley Miller; and numerous very close friends that will always be considered part of our family. A Celebration of the Lives of Robert and Ruthanne Miller will be held on November 15, 2009 at 1:00 PM in the Convocation Room at Friendship Village, 5790 Denlinger Road, Dayton, Ohio. A private burial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment Fairview Cemetery, West Alexandria, OH. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren and Trotwood Church of the Brethren. The family would like to thank the staff at Friendship Village for the tender care and attention provided during their final days, the numerous physicians and nurses who have been following and cared for them, and the friends who visited and made their days brighter during these past several months. Their memories will be cherished by all that knew them " they are together forever.