euskalkultura.eus

01/08/2025 - Paradise Valley, Nevada, EEUU

(publicado en SonomaFuneralHome.com)

Paradise Valley and its close-knit community lost its matriarch on August 1, 2025, with the passing of Emily Fermina Miller. She died peacefully at her home, surrounded by the family she so dearly loved and dedicated her life to.

Born in Oregon Canyon, Emily’s story was deeply intertwined with the landscape of northern Nevada. She was a woman of incredible strength and character, forged by a life spent on the family homestead where she learned a strong work ethic and the enduring values of her community. Speaking only Basque until she entered the first grade, Emily remained a proud and active member of the Basque community throughout her life.

Together with her late husband, Ernest, she owned and operated the town's general store and bar. After Ernest's passing, Emily took over the role of postmaster general, a position she held with pride until she was 90 years old. Her leadership extended beyond her career; she was a dedicated member of the Catholic Church and a guiding force in the Naomi Rebekah Lodge of Paradise Valley. She was President of the Rebekah Assembly of Nevada, and a proud Rebekah for 80 years.

To those who knew her, Emily was a no-nonsense woman whose strength was matched only by her unwavering dedication to her family and community. She inspired and mentored future generations of both men and women to lead with their hearts and to face life's challenges with courage. One of her greatest blessings was being a great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother to 25 children, as well as a cherished aunt to countless more. Her legacy is one of hard work, integrity, and profound love.

Emily was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernest Miller; her daughter, MaryAnn Boner; her parents, John and Delphina Zatica; and her sister, Lillian Lequerica.

She is survived by her loving family: her sister, Chickie Gastanaga; her daughter, Frankie Peterson (Andy); her grandchildren, Frank Avera (Charla), Stephanee Dins (Charlie), Aaron Boner (Jerrod), Anita Troke (Tim), and D’Ann Bidaurreta (Joe). She was also survived by cousins Richard Gavica (Susan), Delphine Tinney, and Jeri Gavica

A Rosary will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 9th, in Paradise Valley, Nevada, followed by a Catholic Mass at 11 a.m. and burial at 12 p.m. A lunch reception to celebrate Emily's life will follow at the Paradise Valley Fireman's Park.

Goian Bego (GB) - May she Rest in Peace