Elizabeth "Liz" Miller

Elizabeth “Liz” Miller, 54, of Baker City, died Friday, August 25, 2023 at the La Grande Post-Acute rehab facility in La Grande, OR.

Elizabeth Paulette Miller was born on November 21, 1968 in Van Nuys, CA. Liz was raised by her mother Sandra Miller and her grandparents Paul and Betty Gartley in Grand Hills, CA. She attended California Christian School graduating in 1986.

Throughout her life Liz lived in California, Arizona and Oregon. Liz began coming up to Baker City as a young child to live and work on her Aunt and Uncles Farm. This continued through her 18th year. Liz learned a lot living on a farm, such as living without electricity, except at night with a couple of hours off a generator. Learning how to live with 2 boys and not having any dolls. Liz also learned how to move irrigation pipes. She enjoyed learning how to drive the pickup with a trailer to pick up the bales of alfalfa.

In 1997, Liz began working in the HIV community in Phoenix, Arizona after being diagnosed herself. She did everything from community outreach, HIV education, and support groups.  Liz loved being able to be around others who faced the same problems as her, being helpful in her community and taking something horrific that happened in her life and making something good come out of it.

Liz loved to dance. She enjoyed traveling and being able to see all the different ways of life. Liz has been to Tahiti and almost every state in the USA, including Mexico and Canada. Traveling in the states was her favorite as she liked seeing all the different ways of life. Everything had its good points – Liz was coming back to the states from Canada when moving a friend from Virginia to Arizona, with a detour through Winnipeg.  “At border patrol they asked what we had in the car. I had Top Ramen in the door pouch. I was accused of transporting bouillon across the border. They seized the car and locked us in a room where we could watch, dumping out our purses and searched the entire car. We had no idea what we were going to do if they put us in jail for Top Ramen. Thankfully they ended up letting us go”.

Liz’s favorite color was green and favorite flower was a white rose.  Winter was her favorite season, even while living in the snow in Baker City, Oregon.  She was also a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, never missing a Sunday game.

Liz was dedicated to her community and enjoyed community service. Once Liz moved to Oregon she became an Eagles member, joining in January of 2018. Liz served as President, Vice President, Conductor and the last office held was Worthy Madam Past President. Liz enjoyed being able to find a niche in the small town of Baker City. Liz also served as the Vice President and President of Friends of the Baker Heritage Museum.

Her favorite quote was “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” James Baldwin

 Liz would like to be remembered for her hard work and volunteerism, “you were all special to me”. Liz (Nana) “I had the deepest love that anyone can feel for all 4 of my grandchildren”.

Alan Lasker was the love of my life. I was so thankful for him being so good to my children.

 Liz gives a huge thank you to her Uncle Larry and Aunt Jan, her cousin’s Wayne and Justin. Liz wanted you to know that she loves you all so much and will miss you.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Paul Gartley in July 1989, Betty Gartley in December 1991 and her mother, Sandra Miller in November 2010.

Liz is survived by her daughters Kassandra Miller of San Francisco, CA and Taylor “Annie” Taylor of Lehi, Utah; grandchildren, Rowan, Briar, Reilly, Elodie.

Liz would like donations in her memory to be made to any AIDS foundation through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com