Lillie Helen Miller

Lillie Helen (Iversen) Miller passed away on October 24, 2025 at the age of 98. She was born to Iven and Asta Iversen on June 10, 1927. She lived on the same property on Skillman Lane in Petaluma her entire life.

Lillie and her younger sister, Nancy, grew up helping their parents run their chicken ranch. In high school Lillie met Walt Miller. They enjoyed a courtship at Russian River and trips to Tahoe chaperoned by Betty and Jack Dunaway. The couple were married at Elim Lutheran Church in 1949. They celebrated life together for 53 years.

In their early married years Lillie and Walt established lifelong friendships with 5 other couples, Nancy and Jack Cameron, Lil and Richard (Jonsey) Jones, Willie and Mary Lafranchi, Bob and Marilyn Larsen and Bob and Dorothy MacKinnon. The couples met once a month for a meal, laughter and sharing life’s journey. They went on many trips together across the United States from Hawaii to the Caribbean Islands. Every year there was a very special Christmas gathering first at the Larsen’s and later at the Lafranchi’s homes that overflowed with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lillie spent her working years at Poultry Producers, Nulaid and the offices of several orthopedic surgeons always working as a bookkeeper. She had a strong work ethic and rarely missed work. Her coworkers became lifelong friends. She retired for a second time at the age of 89.

Her Danish heritage meant the world to her and she was active in the Danish Sisterhood for 78 years. Her contributions included 50 years as local lodge treasurer and 40 years co-chairing the annual chicken barbecue with Walt. She co-chaired several state conventions hosted in Petaluma and often served as a delegate representing lodge #126. In 1984 Lil and Walt were so happy to serve as presidents of the brotherhood and sisterhood for the state of California. She wrote the Little Mermaid article for 14 years reporting on parties and important events in members’ lives. In her later years she co-chaired many annual fundraisers including aeblskiver breakfasts and formal tea parties. Lillie was honored to be the first recipient of the National Danish Sisterhood Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

Probably her greatest love was time with her family. Walt and Lillie cherished their yearly vacations to Lafranchi’s cabin in Tahoe with their daughters and later also their grandsons. Disneyland, Yosemite and Pine Mountain Lake were also vacation favorites. Lil adored her grandsons. When Stan (her son-in-law) passed unexpectedly she and Walt were an active presence in the lives of Ben and Daniel. After Walt’s passing Lillie’s life was given new purpose and renewed joy with the arrival of her last grandson, Dane.

She leaves behind her daughters, Jan Brooks and Joyce Miller (Scott), her grandsons Benjamin Brooks (Barbara), Daniel Brooks (Danielle) and Dane Miller and great-grandchildren Zoe Brooks, Jett Brooks and Julian Brooks.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: -Elim Lutheran Church
-By the Bay Health Hospice
-Danish Sisterhood Scholarship Fund for the State of California
c/o Mary Jo Wiedey
CA District Secretary/Treasurer
2160 Cooley Place
Pasadena, CA 91104