Florence Kathrine (Kay) Miller

1919-2009

Aunt Kay passed away June 10, 2009, just 15 days after her birthday. She was the third of five born to Ralph and Ethel Tyler. The family moved out to California in the early 1930s.

She graduated from Napa High School in 1937 and was active in her class reunions over the years. She worked at various jobs and went to Guam right after World War II to work with the military. Aunt Kay and Uncle Ben were married in Guam. She had known Uncle Ben in Napa and they both were employed in Guam when their friendship was rekindled. Their son, Bennie, was born in Guam.

Upon leaving Guam she worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard until her retirement. Aunt Kay was very active in Eastern Star on Guam and continued her membership in Napa. Her husband, Ben, died in 1970. She then became a member of Sisters of Hiram in which she was active, holding the office of treasurer at the time of her passing. She was an active part of her community, volunteering with the Community Projects program and later with the ACS Discovery Shop. Aunt Kay was an exceptionally giving person with her time and energy. She was the caregiver for several members of her family for years.

On May 23, 2009, Kay was given a surprise birthday party at the clubhouse in the mobile home park where she lived. Relatives and friends attended from as far away at Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Canada. This was a wonderful gathering of all her loved ones and she was truly blessed to be able to visit and share with each one present. She was known to all as Aunt Kay, Auntie Kay and Kay.

Aunt Kay was predeceased by her father and mother; her husband, Ben; her son, Bennie; sisters Frances Kernan and Marian Sparks; brothers Charles (as an infant) and James. Surviving her are nieces Barbara Mastaw of Napa, and Betty (Bill) Barton of Eureka; step-sons Gary (Linda) Miller of Texas and Mike (Sue) Miller of Nevada; and great-nieces and nephews Alan (Leslie) Mastaw of Red Bluff, Brenda Forrester of Napa, Brett (Toni) Forrester of Granite Bay, Mark (Linda) Mowrey of Fortuna, Dan (Kelly Mowrey) of Redding, and Jim (Karen) of Kentucky. Upon her passing, she was a fifth-generation aunt.

She was also survived by several cousins in the U.S., Canada and England. Also surviving are her godchildren Susan (Hank) Jenkins of Pennsylvania and Diane Graves of Idaho, who have been like her own since their birth.

Aunt Kay requested no services when she passed on, and family and friends feel that the surprise birthday party just 15 days prior to her death has filled the hearts of each.

Aunt Kay wrote a note some time before she passed away and it is written below:

“Dear all, When I am gone, fear not to say my name, nor speak of me in muted tones as it were a shame for me to die. But, let me figure in your daily talk; tell of my loves and joys; of how I used to laugh or walk a walk — that way you’ll keep me in your heart and memory, which is my hope of immortality.” — Kay M.