Ruth M. (Eigsti) Miller, 93, of Lakewood, Colo., died Sept. 3, 2022. She was born Oct. 25, 1928, to Emery and Edna Eigsti on a farm near Wayland, Iowa.
She graduated from Goshen College in Indiana in 1951 with a teaching degree. She helped start the women’s intramural sports program and was a member of the choir.
Her first position as a teacher was at Danville grade school in Iowa. In 1953, she moved to Denver and continued to teach. She volunteered to cook at a camp for a group of men in 1-W service, where she met Delmer Miller. They were married June 25, 1955.
She taught at Dowell Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Steele Elementary, Kaiser Elementary and Washington Park Elementary in her career. They offered foster care to two girls in their home. She helped many underprivileged kids with school supplies, clothes, shoes, winter clothing and emotional support.
She was a charter member of Glennon Heights Mennonite Church. She taught Sunday school and Bible school, sponsored youth groups and served on many committees. In later years she collected backpacks for a prison outreach ministry.
Her gift of service was reflected in her volunteer time at More For Less store, Tennyson Group Home for Boys and cooking and serving meals for the homeless at Family Promise.
She enjoyed thrift stores, garage sales, swimming and reading. She had a sense of humor that brought a smile to all she encountered. Her faith was central to her life as she leaned on God during the trials and gave thanks for the many blessings.
She was a progressive woman for her time. She was a charismatic leader, respected professional and boldly confident but had a gentle side as an empathetic listener and a kind heart.
Survivors include a son, Tim Miller; a daughter, Julie (Ken Morin) Miller-Morin; a brother, Orlin (Ina) Eigsti; two sisters-in-law, Ardith Eigsti and Joyce Miller; two brothers-in-law, Dennis (Doreen) Miller and Winston Miller; three grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Delmer; a brother, Mervin Eigsti; two sisters, Doris Meyer and Marilyn Jane; and a granddaughter.
Services were held at Glennon Heights Mennonite Church, Lakewood.
