Richard (Rich) William Miller (8.18.50-8.11.21)

Rich was born in Dayton, Ohio and was the youngest of three brothers. He spent his life devoted to the three great loves of his life - sports - wrestling and football, helping others, and his wife of 49 years Carolyn.  He graduated from Fairmont West High School in Kettering, Ohio, as a captain of the wrestling team and a center for the football team. He went on to wrestle at Miami University where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. He spent his career as an admired teacher and coach at Centerville High School.  He was inducted into the Centerville Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Upon retirement, he moved to Breckenridge, Colorado where he enjoyed all the Rocky Mountains had to offer.  He was a member to the Summit County Rescue Group for 14 years and served as a mission coordinator.  He prided himself in helping keep others safe and spent additional time volunteering for Summit Advocates for Victims of Assault. Rich loved to be part of a team both as a member or a coach.  One of his greatest attributes was that he was both the guy you wanted leading your rescue but also the one you wanted to talk to when you were down safely. 

However, his greatest joy was his wife, Carolyn.  He often quipped she was the best thing he got out of German class. Over half a century later he spoke no German but was still married to his high school sweetheart.  Rich was well-loved by so many people who called him coach, teacher, brother, and friend.  he is preceded in death by his parents William and Jennie.  He is survived by brothers Tom (Margaret), Mike (Carol), foster son Bobby, and numerous extended family members. 

Carolyn Marlene Miller (6.3.49–5.7.24)

Carolyn was born in Dayton, Ohio where she would meet her high school sweetheart and future husband, Richard Miller, in German class at Fairmont West High School. Perhaps she can finally make sure he learns some German in the afterlife, as he was too smitten to pay attention after he met her.

The most enduring characteristic of Carolyn was that she loved and cared about people. She received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from Miami University (Ohio) leading to a career as the crisis counselor at Centerville High School in Ohio. For her work, Carolyn received special recognition from the President at the White House. Carolyn and Richard married in 1971. In their early years of marriage, they fostered their son, Bobby – a relationship they enjoyed and maintained throughout their entire lives.

Carolyn harbored a deep love for the outdoors – and enjoyed every day of her summers and eventual retirement in Breckenridge. She always said she never wanted to take looking out at the mountains for granted. Carolyn led day hikes, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing at the Gold Run Nordic Center. She was the smiling face greeting visitors at the front desk of Breckenridge Recreation Center and loved her coworkers there – even garnering invitations to bachelorette nights and baby showers. She formed a remarkable community of friends in Breckenridge and never met a stranger.

Carolyn volunteered with Advocates for Victims of Assault, taking overnight calls to be there when strangers needed a friend.
In a lifetime of caring for others, Carolyn never boasted, preferring to humbly take on the work of loving well. In the final weeks of her life, friends and family traveled in from Ohio, Kentucky, Oregon, and Florida to be with her – a testament to her lifelong commitment to others.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Richard. She is survived by her sister, Connie, her son, Bobby, and countless extended family, friends, and likely strangers who will miss her.