Joyce LaVerne Miller

“When we are born, it is a gift from God; how we live our life is a gift to God.” Nana was a beautiful gift to God and all of us. 

Vernie Baethge Miller, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was born on November 1, 1934, in Fredericksburg, Texas. She passed away on November 7, 2025. 

She was the youngest of two children born to Peter Jackson Baethge and Mary Ethel Fanning Baethge of Fredericksburg. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother William Kenneth Baethge of Fredericksburg, and her loving son-in-law, Mark Dizdar of Comfort. Vernie was an active member of the Primitive Baptist Church all her life, serving on various committees. Her mother, father, grandparents, and great and great-great-grandparents were all Primitive Baptists – So Blessed! 

Vernie married the love of her life, Harold Miller, on November 8, 1952, in Corpus Christi, Texas. They were married just shy of 60 years when Harold passed away, September 23, 2012. Vernie was a proud young mother to their three beautiful children, Steve, Vicki, and Kelly. Her greatest joy was being a full-time mother to her children, which she devoted her life to until all were out of college and married.

 Always a close family, Vernie’s role as a mother and Nana was unsurpassed. She instilled in all their children and grandchildren the power of positive thinking, love of God and family, and the value of a sense of FUN. Whatever the activity, she was always ready to be there, cheering them on. Camp Nana was always the best. Nana loved each one fiercely, and they always felt her love and encouragement. She maintained a unique, individual relationship with each and every one of them.

 Easter and Christmas will never be quite the same. Easter was the big get together every year with egg hunts, raw egg toss, bubble gum relays, outside with food (always the same every year), table decorations, and a piñata. The whole Miller family, plus all the kids’ spouses’ families, friends, and sweet neighbors, were always welcome.

 Christmas, her home was trimmed in every room of the house – 100 Santa snow villages, 3 or 4 trees decorated – of course, a Red Hat tree. Thankfully, she passed the love of Christmas to all her kids, so the traditions will continue. They will always sing the Twelve Days of Christmas. And always use the best china – a lovely table was a must. The Lord had better be prepared for more trees and tinsel! Her home was always open – sharing her candies, cakes, and pies. She was a true friend and a proud member of the Republican Party. 

Nana continued to be green and growing, learning and contributing until her final days. She, along with our entire family, grew into the Mirador community with the tenants and staff in mutual love. We are grateful for their kindness and care continually during the last years. 

Vernie is survived by her son, Steve, and his wife, Lauren Miller; her daughters, Vicki Steward and Kelly Dizdar; her nine grandchildren; her twenty-four great-grandchildren; and her honorary children, Ann Hennis and David Schumacher.