Howard Vernon Miller of Kennewick, WA passed away on Thursday December 23, 2021, at the age of
80, leaving behind his loving wife Betty of 55 years.
Howard was born on July 7 th , 1941, in Portland, OR, the oldest of five children to his father Howard
Miller and mother Hilda. Howard grew up in Spokane, WA, graduating from West Valley High School in
1959. Upon graduating high school, Howard joined the US Navy serving from Nov 1959 to 1963 (USS
Moale). After his military service Howard began his 36-year career working for the Northern
Pacific/Burlington Northern Railroads. He raised his family in Pilot Rock, OR; Kennewick, WA; and
Vancouver, WA. Throughout his life Howard enjoyed cutting firewood, bowling, and golfing. After his
retirement, Howard enjoyed playing cards, taking short drives, and traveling to the Oregon Coast with
friends and family.
Howard was preceded in death by his mother Hilda Skillicorn, father Howard, sister Anita, and brothers
Gerald and Charles Miller. He is survived by his wife Betty, daughter Stephanie Guffey (husband Brett),
son Brian Miller, and grandson Trevor Ness (wife Molly), granddaughters Savannah and Isabella Ness,
and many cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as many lifelong friends.
Family members will hold a “celebration of life” ceremony early this spring for friends and family.