Sydney M. Miller

Sydney Marie Miller, age 88, a long time resident of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, passed away Thursday morning, March 13, 2014 at her home. She was born September 5, 1925 in Norway, Oregon on her grandparent's ranch, the daughter of the late Frederick Sydney and Hilda Irene (Schroeder) Yarbrough. Sydney's father was a CCC camp supervisor working with enrollees on forest conservation and fire prevention in Northern California from around 1939 to 1942. Sydney worked at the camp by cooking and cleaning to support the CCC camp. She graduated from High School in 1943 and joined the Navy Nurse Corps. The Navy Nurse Corps helped train Navy Hospital Corpsman in Corvallis, Oregon. This is where she met Frank. After a six month courtship, they were married on April 18, 1946. Frank was part of Operation Crossroads that was the first testing of the Atomic Bomb. After the war ended, the Millers left the service and moved to Sault Sainte Marie; MI. Sydney helped Frank receive his Associate Degree in Engineering at Michigan Tech, which later became Lake Superior State University. They lived in many homes around the Sault until they built a home on Portage Ave. The basement of the home caved in during the spring thaw of 1957, which prompted Frank to reenlist in the Navy. He entered the Navy Nuclear Power program around 1962. Sydney spent the next 37 years supporting Frank while he was in the Navy, working at North Anna Nuclear Power Plant and working at various Nuclear Power Plants around the world for Ebasco Inc. Frank permanently retired in 1994. Sydney and Frank then made Frank's parents home their permanent residence in the Sault. Sydney blessed Frank with four children over the years. Sydney spent her time reading and poring love into making various crafts; which was adored by her friends and family members. Projects included ceramics, quilting, knitting, tatting, and crocheting. Sydney collected various types of unique objects and antiques from the many places that she and Frank traveled to. Her collection includes many antique spinning wheels, which she would use to spin her own wool into yarn. Sydney was a member of the American Quilter's Society, American Legion Auxiliary Post #3 and Old Antarctica Explorers Club. Sydney is survived by three children: Shyla Marie (Joseph Sr.) Dotson of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Phillip Fredrick Miller of Sault Ste. Marie, MI and Catherine Denise (Robert) Dunston of Virginia; brother-in-law: George David (Joyce) Miller of Kentucky, nephew: Mark (Erin)Miller of Connecticut, Seven grandchildren: Christine, David, Ruben, Shayla, Jeanette, Bannon, and Joseph Jr.; and numerous great grandchildren. Sydney was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years: Frank Phillip Miller, her son: Frank David Miller, grandson: Frank Preston Miller, great granddaughter: Shyanna Denise Beauchamp, her brother: Fredrick Joseph Yarbrough and niece: Cheryl Lynn Campbell. A celebration of Sydney's life will be held at a later date. C.S. Mulder Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Miller Family.

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Sydney M. Miller

September 5, 1925 - March 13, 2014