Margaret C. Miller, 69, passed away peacefully Sept. 14 at Harrison Hospital, surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband Walt Miller of Kingston, two children, three stepchildren, four grandchildren and two brothers.
Marj was born May 25, 1938 in Bremerton to Maurice and Elsa Gordon. A brother Chuck now lives in Priest River, Idaho, and a brother Mike lives in Port Angeles. She married William Higgins in April of 1961. Their son, Michael, lives in Boise, Idaho, and their daughter Barbara makes her home in Fall City.
Marj married long-time Kingston resident Walt Miller on Sept. 30, 1984. They raised Barb and Mike, and two of Walt’s three sons, Henry and Andy, in the Kingston area. Carl, Walt’s oldest son, and Andy still reside in Kingston. Henry now lives in Chicago, Ill.
Marj was well known and loved in the community through her 20 years of employment at the Kingston branch of the Kitsap Regional Library. She took particular interest in assisting people with research projects. Her hallmark during those years was the introduction of various live creatures, such as tadpoles, butterflies, and other curiosities, into the library for the enjoyment of the library patrons. Marj had an impressive collection of novelty frogs, her favorite critter of all.
Marj was a highly skilled and artful seamstress and knitter. She was an avid gardener, and used many an occasion to ply her art as a gourmet cook. She enjoyed outdoor activities like camping and fishing, and the day-to-day pleasures of country living. Her devotion to family, particularly children, revealed itself in splendid holiday meals and other traditions.
Above all, Marj’s focus was family first. Marj took great pride in her four grandchildren: Greta Miller, 16; Ellie Higgins 7; Jessica Higgins, 4; and Oliver Halsey, 4. In return, they took particular delight in Marj’s skill with a squirt gun. A memorial gathering was held at Walt and Marj’s South Kingston home Sept. 16. Marj will be laid to rest at Kingston Cemetery. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all of those in the community whose lives she touched.
In remembrance of Marj, donations may be made to the Kingston Friends of the Library or simply by taking time to read a book to a child.
Do as Marj did
Our friend Marj showed us the power of reading with her love for books and the joys of nature with all of her growing projects, her miscellaneous critters she reared from time to time: frogs, salamanders, snakes, chickens and the like. Her thoughtfulness was shown over the years remembering birthdays and special occasions upon which she would make something with her hands and her heart. These acts will always be remembered and are traits worth emulating.
She showed a great calmness and patience with all people she encountered. Whether at the library or the market, instructing at knitting or talking about how ripe the cantaloupes are, when she spoke she added value to any conversation. She was quick to smile and always a good listener.
We will always think of her with great respect and admiration and look for ways in our own lives to be more like her: ever curious about growing things, trying new recipes, showing patience with those who need a little more time understanding, happy to explain the where and whys. As Marj did. We love her and are very thankful for the time we shared with her. She lives on in all of us who had the good fortune to know her.
Woody & Joanie Woodbury, Poulsbo
