Search by Name

Search by Name

Myra Gail Miller

1962 - 2015

Myra Gail Miller obituary, 1962-2015, Durango, CO

BORN

1962

DIED

2015

Myra Miller Obituary

6/6/62-11/29/15

Myra Gail Miller, a laughing, beautiful woman and longtime Durango resident, died Sunday November 29 in Scottsdale, Arizona after a valiant battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Myra leaves behind her beloved husband, Richard "Rick" Poer, her father, Reese Miller, sisters Holly Ortiz and Giulia Urquhart, brother Michael Hoyt Miller, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, and hundreds of dear friends. Myra spread love and joy far and wide, and brought her unfailing kindness and infectious laugh to everyone she met. Her family teased Myra that walking along Main Avenue with her took hours, because Myra stopped to greet friends every few steps.

Myra was never more at home than when hiking, skiing, biking, kayaking or walking her dogs in the wilderness of the Southwest. She was an avid runner and outdoor athlete; she completed five marathons, the Iron Horse bike race and multiple other running and biking events throughout the country.

Myra was born in Denver in 1962, the first child of Helen Cummins Miller and Reese Miller, both Durango natives. Myra's family had deep roots in Durango. She was named after her grandmothers, Myra Hoagland Cummins and Gail McCloskey Miller, both Durango pioneer women of note. Myra's paternal Grandfather, Hoyt C. Miller, was a longtime educator after whom Miller Middle School is named. Her maternal Grandfather, Michael Cummins, was a grocer, realtor and Mayor of Durango in the 1930s.

Myra moved to Durango with her family in 1979 and attended Durango High School, where she excelled in cross-country running. She fell in love with the southwest and all things outdoors. She graduated from DHS in 1980 and later Colorado State University, where she received a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. After becoming a Registered Dietician, Myra returned to Durango and worked for Mercy Medical Center for more than 25 years as a Registered Dietician and Diabetes educator. She obtained her Master's Degree in Counseling and later joined the Touch, Love and Compassion (TLC) team at Mercy Medical Center. Myra hosted a weekly radio program, "Food Divas," with fellow dietician Heidi King for more than 13 years.

Myra met the love of her life, Richard "Rick" Poer, in 2001. Shortly afterward, Myra was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, which she battled and defeated with Rick's unfailing support. The two of them built a remarkable life together, and enjoyed friends, family, and many outdoor adventures. After a 14-year "courtship," they married in 2014.

Services for Myra will be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or the La Plata County Humane Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Dec. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Myra Miller

Not sure what to say?





Laura Lewis Marchino

December 19, 2015

I just saw the announcement and had no idea. I knew Myra many years ago through SASO. Remembering her with you all!

Donating her time and hands at the Relay for Life 2014

Nikki Brandes

December 4, 2015

Myra was such an amazing person, with healing hands and a beautiful heart. All of us at Southwest Oncology and Mercy were deeply saddened by per passing. We will always hold her in our hearts.

Elaine Ryan

December 4, 2015

My sister Elizabeth expressed so much, but I just wanted to add my deepest condolences to all who know Myra, in all her uniqueness. Among so many beautiful qualities, Myra amazed me with her kindness, thoughtfulness, clarity and completeness when she spoke. So smart!...she noticed everything, especially the details of people's comfort, as I saw when I visited. She and Rick were so welcoming. The beautiful wife of my younger uncle, Rick, she always delighted and engaged in the fun things going on, even when she was feeling very sick- one might never know. I have a beautiful memory of her singing with my Dad, Steve Ryan, when he was not well. He was so impressed and touched. I am sending all of my love to you all, and I will forever have deep gratitude for having gotten to spend time with Myra. Love, Elaine Ryan

December 4, 2015

RICK REESE AND FAMILY, THE LORD TAKES THE GOOD ONES FIRST AND MYRA IS NOW PART OF YOUR HEAVENLY LOVED ONES . I JOIN YOU IN MISSING HER WONDERFUL CHUCKLE AND SMILE MICKEY HOGAN

Myra- always up for playing.

Patty Coen

December 4, 2015

Myra. What an angel.

December 4, 2015

Elizabeth Ryan

December 3, 2015

Myra is and always will be a shining light! She was married to my uncle Rick, who is only 5 months older than I, and she comically referred to me as "niecey-poo". I loved her with all my heart for her humor, generosity, warmth, intelligence and in the end, amazing courage and grace. The world was a better place with her in it, and i know we will all keep her alive in our hearts forever!! My deepest condolences to all who feel the devastating loss that we all feel. Shine on, Myra!! Shine on!!

December 3, 2015

A memorial service/celebration of Myra's life will be Saturday, December 5 at 11 a.m. at the Strater Hotel, 699 Main Avenue. Durango, Colorado 81301.

Susan Barr

December 3, 2015

I did not know Myra, but from the beautiful obituary written for her, I know that those who did, are now experiencing a great loss in their lives. I pray that you will be given strength and comfort in your time of grief.
Susan Barr

Lisa Letourneau

December 2, 2015

I will always remember riding in Myra's car with Giulia to Duango for a Benedictine Spring Break. We shouted the rosary as we drove through the mountains in a snow storm. Myra put the chains on the tires of her little car with no problem. I was so impressed. She was so kind, fun and inspirational. What a beautiful girl who stayed just as lovely as a woman. I know you will all miss her so much. All of the Miller family is in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Lisa (Ludwig) Letourneau

Priscilla Albo & family

December 2, 2015

Reese, Giulia, Holly, Mike and family - We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Myra. Our deepest condolences to you all. Heaven has gained another angel. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Laurel Campbell

December 2, 2015

Infectious sweet smile. Filled with grace and kindness.

Myra's summer of 2015

December 2, 2015

The brightest star I knew was Myra. My heartfelt condolences to the family. She will be missed and remembered but so many.

Maggie Ciskanik

December 2, 2015

I have terrific memories of Myra's quirky sense of humor, her radiant smile, and joyful disposition! Christendom College was blessed to have had her for a few years!

So sorry for the loss you are experiencing. May the deep love you have for her and a continued though different connection to her sustain you!

Karen Rutz

December 2, 2015

Remember first meeting Myra when it was suggested I find someone to run with. Trying to get motivated in the early a.m. hours when it was cold and snowing out was not my strong point. I'd meet up with Myra who was fun-spirited and had a contagious laugh which made the run much more tolerable. This beautiful lady will be greatly missed. My condolences to Rick, Reese & family & friends during this most difficult time. God's blessings to you all.

Carol McGuire

December 2, 2015

I am deeply saddened to learn of Myra's passing. Myra excelled in helping others. I was privileged to have her give the cancer support group her expertise in nutrition on numerous meetings. Her smile shall remain in my heart. On an "Irish" note, I'll never forget how excited she was to win a trip to Ireland. We will all feel a big void in the halls of Mercy Hospital.
Our love and prayers to you Rick and Myra's family.

Karen Rutz

December 2, 2015

I first met Myra when it was suggested to have someone to run with. In the early morning hours when it was snowing out and not quite motivated to head out the door, I'd meet up with Myra. She was fun-spirited and it made the run all that much more tolerable. Will miss her contagious laugh and lively personality. God's blessings to Rick, Reese & family, and all the many friends who grieve her loss.

December 2, 2015

So very sad to hear this news, Blessing and Prayers for the family. She will always be your angel.

Heather & Riley Morris

December 2, 2015

I didn't know Myra nearly as much as I would have liked. Her smile and laugh will be missed from this world. My heart goes out to Rick, Molas and Alta and all of the rest of her family and friends.

Barb Powers

December 2, 2015

I'm very sad to hear of Myra's passing. We met while working at Mercy back in the 90's. I will always remember her beautiful smile, ready hugs, and sweet disposition. She was so brave in the face of a difficult illness, an inspiration to others to keep fighting, to press on and enjoy life, and put on a smile to face each day.

Ginny Schoenfeldt

December 2, 2015

Myra, what a sweet and wonderful lady. I will NEVER forget that glorious soul. I am so blessed to have known her. We are all devastated here at the hospital. You are so loved by so many...

Eileen Brown

December 2, 2015

Myra - a remarkable woman and bright, shining joy
to her family and friends in this world.
Her spirit, like this candle light, will remain with us always.
Love and compassion to Myra's family and friends. We will miss her presence with us. The flicker of candle-light is her spirit living within us.
A beautiful one, indeed.

Wendy Christensen

December 2, 2015

Myra,
Your smile is so consuming, your heart so full of joy! I will miss you. The halls of Mercy will not be the same
Wendy Christensen

Betty Ann Honeycutt

December 2, 2015

Reese & family - My deepest and heartfelt sympathy in your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jacqui Fetsko

December 2, 2015

I met Myra at Christendom College and remember her sweetness and radiant smile. Prayers for all she left behind, but I bet she is smiling upon you all.

Neil, Deb & Kyle Goncalves

December 2, 2015

Myra will truly be missed by all - her smile could literally light up the room. I had the pleasure of working with her and being her friend for many years and she was such a delight! Her memory will live on in our hearts - our hearts go out to all family and friends!

Brandye Turner

December 1, 2015

A wonderful woman and friend who cared more about others than herself. There is a hole in the universe. An Angel on Earth that will continue to touch all with her Spirit.

Frances Dance

December 1, 2015

Her laugh,and always a devotion to listen to you.But her touch with her hands give me a time listen to her soft talk.She is my friend and I will miss her.

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Make a Donation
in Myra Miller's name

Memorial Events
for Myra Miller

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Myra's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Myra Miller's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more