Myrtle Susan W. Miller-Oestreich

Myrtle Susan W. Miller-Oestreich passed away Friday, January 1, 2010 at Columbia Crest Care & Rehabilitation Center in Moses Lake after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the Moses Lake United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Rice officiating.  Vault Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2010 at the Mountain View Cemetery, Davenport, Washington.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, January 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  You may sign the guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com    Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake.

Myrtle was born to William H. and Susan (Schultz) Wettlaufer on April 12, 1916 in Oregon City, Oregon where she was raised and educated.  Graduating with Honors in 1932 from Oregon City High School, she then attended college at Williamette University in Salem, Oregon, graduating in 1936 with a B.A. Degree in education.  Myrtle attended the University of Washington for her Masters Degree in Secondary School.

She married Clifton E. Miller in 1937.  The twins, Clifton E. Jr. and William L. were born on May 10, 1939, while they were living in Seattle.  A third son, Allen Kent, was born March 4, 1943.  They moved to Fargo, North Dakota that summer where Dr. Clifton, Sr. worked at North Dakota State University.  He was commissioned in the Army in 1941, receiving his honorable discharge at the end of 1945.  At that time her returned to North Dakota to teach until he retired in 1968.  She moved to Moses Lake in 1967 to manage the Fultz-Miller Drug for 13 years.  After retiring as Dean of North Dakota Pharmaceutical School, Clifton, Sr. then came to Moses Lake to help with Fultz-Miller Drug.  Dr. Miller preceded her in death in 1980 and she married Richard L. Oestreich on June 5, 1982.

She joined many clubs: Soroptimist Club, which she had chaired the Annual Bazaar for many years; American Legion, which she chaired Girls State; GFWC; and American Association of University Women.  Myrtle was a member and officer in the Order of Eastern Star, Amaranth, Daughters of the Nile, Rebekah (National President in 1949) Royal Neighbors 1966; Multiple Sclerosis Society League of Women Voters in 1966, North Dakota State University Wives Club from 1956-1969 and Friends of Historical Pharmacy.  Myrtle was a member of the United Methodist Church and Chairman of Trustees and United Methodist Women.  She was listed in the 1968 edition “Outstanding Civic Leaders of America”.

She loved to travel around the world visiting seven continents and more than 100 countries.

Myrtle is survived by her husband, Rich Oestreich, Moses Lake; one son, William L. Miller, Ulen, Minnesota; six grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; one step daughter, Shari; three step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her first husband, Dr. Clifton E. Miller, Sr., she was also preceded in death by two sons, Clifton E. Miller, Jr. and Allen Kent Miller, two sisters and two brothers.

Memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.