Dorothy Christine Miller passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at Bishop Place in Pullman, Washington, at the age of 93, with her son Tim Miller, daughter Tina Woods, and son-in-law Bob Woods at her side. Dorothy was born on May 31, 1933, to Gladys and Major Parkins in the small community of Kippen, near Reubens, Idaho. She grew up alongside her brother Merlin, on the family farm and ranch near Cold Springs Canyon. Although life during the Great Depression was not easy, there was always an abundance of homegrown food, music, hard work, and supportive neighbors. Dorothy also tended the family's kerosene lamps, as electricity had not yet reached the area. As a farm girl, she took on many chores, such as milking cows, feeding livestock, and caring for horses and pigs. The tasks of cleaning the chicken coop and gathering eggs from protective mother hens were among her least favorites.

Dorothy attended first grade in a one-room schoolhouse perched on a nearby hill, often walking through towering snowdrifts. She later attended school in Craigmont, where she remained through high school. During those years, she was a Cougar cheerleader, a basketball player and an accomplished singer. She was also honored as a Lewis County Royalty Princess and a Lewiston Roundup Princess. Accompanied by her cherished palomino Goldy, Dorothy proudly represented her community in parades, rodeos, and public appearances alongside her friend and Roundup Queen, Molly Staley. She was especially frustrated by the girls’ basketball rules of the day, which prohibited players from crossing midcourt because girls were considered the “weaker sex.”

After graduating from high school, Dorothy attended a dance in Winchester, where she met a handsome young man named Bob Miller. The two were married on November 3, 1951, and later welcomed three children into their family: Tina, Tim, and Dan.

Mom was truly a self-made woman who seemed capable of accomplishing almost anything. A talented seamstress, she created her own patterns and sewed her own clothing while still in high school. Throughout her life, family members often joked that she could fix anything. She completed countless home improvement projects, with Bob often helping by handing her tools and wisely stepping aside. Dorothy also possessed an exceptional green thumb and took great pride in her home, lawn, and gardens. She was equally renowned as a wonderful cook and baker whose meals brought joy to family and friends alike.

Together, Dorothy and Bob owned and operated Berry’s Dry Goods in Craigmont. Dorothy became well known throughout the region for fitting customers with Levi jeans, Stetson hats, cowboy boots, and Converse tennis shoes. She also delighted generations of young women by helping them select beautiful formal dresses and accessories, often showcasing them in community fashion shows.

Though Dorothy and Bob were happiest at home, they rarely missed Tim and Dan’s sporting events. Later in life, they enjoyed traveling to San Francisco, Reno, Arizona, and especially Hawaii, their favorite destination. Some trips included Bob’s beloved sister Marv and her husband, Homer Norton, while Dorothy’s uncle, Jim Clovis, often served as their enthusiastic guide.

In their later years, Dorothy and Bob remained active, enjoying tennis, ice skating, and downhill and cross-country skiing. Their beloved dogs Bridget, Koko, Missy, and Arthur were cherished companions throughout those adventures.

Partners in every sense of the word, Dorothy and Bob devoted years of love and labor to creating a family retreat near Winchester. The property featured a large pond, a home, tennis and basketball courts, and countless opportunities for family fun. There, generations gathered to swim, paddle boat, hit floating golf balls, play sports, soak in the hot tub, and simply enjoy one another’s company.

Proud lifelong natives of the area, Dorothy and Bob were dedicated supporters of many charitable causes. In recognition of their service and community involvement, they were honored as Grand Marshals of Craigmont’s June Picnic in 2010.

In 2015 the couple moved to Bishop Place in Pullman. After Bob’s passing, Dorothy relocated to The Evergreen in Clarkston to be closer to her brother Merlin. She later moved to Good Samaritan Village in Moscow, where she lived just a short distance from her daughter Tina. In the fall of 2024, Dorothy returned to Bishop Place.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Miller, and her parents, Gladys and Major Parkins.

She leaves behind her daughter, Tina Woods (Bob), and grandchildren Kyle Brown (Aubrey), Kirby Brown (Laurie), and Scott Brown (Julia); her son, Tim, and grandchildren Angel Kolbe (Andy) and Matthew Miller (Molly); her son, Dan, and grandchild Adrian; and her brother, Merlin Parkins.

She was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren. The family continues to grieve the loss of Dan's beloved partner, Sherry Watson, who is deeply missed.

A memorial service celebrating Dorothy’s life will be held at a later date. Service details will be announced when arrangements have been finalized.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bishop Place for the loving care and friendship they provided Dorothy during her final days. Their kindness, patience, and compassion brought comfort to both Dorothy and her family, and they will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Dorothy’s life was defined by hard work, generosity, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. She will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew her.