Catherine Miller
Age - 92
November 29, 2023
Catherine Josephine Miller, 92, died Saturday November 18, 2023 at her daughte r 's home in Escondido, California.
Catherine (Kiki) was the fifth of seven children born to Severin and Louis e (Goldmann) Rodeschin on March 27, 1931 in room 6 of The Chateau, an Inn and restaurant where she lived in Newport, New Hampshire. Kiki finished Primary School and Richard's Junior High, and graduated from Towel High School in 1949. An accomplished athlete, Kiki was involved in several sports; field hockey, softball, and basketball. Growing up in the depression years, she also developed a love for sewing. Immediately after graduation, she enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, completing her basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in San Antonio, TX and advanced training at Laury Field in Denver, CO. Her first posting was at Randolph field in San Antonio, TX, where she was an acquisition specialist, purchasing aviation parts for the U. S. Air Force. Shortly after her reassignment to Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, TX, she was promoted ahead of her peers to Staff Sergeant. While at Goodfellow in 1952 , she went on a blind date and met the love of her life and future husband, Francis H. Miller, an Air Force officer attending pilot's training. They were engaged after only two months on November 3rd, and married at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on August 8, 1953. Kiki left the Air Force soon after, exercising the marriage option offered at that time. After honeymooning at Niagara Falls, Frank and Kiki started married life together at Frank's first posting in Panama City, Florida. During their 26 years of military service, they were stationed at 11 different Air Bases in 9 states and were blessed with 9 children. A dedicated military spouse, Kiki often managed the household on her own whenever Frank's training, military duties, schooling, or his year-long deployment to Vietnam caused him to be away from home. Frank and Kiki spent the last 8 years of military service in Torrance, CA while Frank was stationed at Space and Mission Systems Organization (SAMSO) in Santa Monica, CA. Kiki met the challenge of raising so many children on a military budget by utilizing her love for sewing. She enjoyed making herself and the 4 girls their Easter dresses, her party dresses , and some of the girls ' school clothing during their childhood years. Kiki volunteered her time in a variety of activities and organizations, including assisting in her children's classrooms and her daughter's Girl Scout troops as an assistant troop leader and troop leader. As troop leader, Kiki was the driving force in ensuring that the troop's scouts, including her two youngest daughters , achieved "First Class". Following Frank's retirement from the Air Force, they moved the family to Northridge, California. Soon after, Kiki joined and became involved in the Northridge Newcomers group, where she held a variety of positions over the years, including President. She and Frank also belonged to various bridge groups, gourmet groups, and other social groups. In their retirement years, Kiki and Frank enjoyed traveling the world together and went on many cruises, including ones to Asia, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. Holidays and special events were highlighted by large gatherings with her children and grandchildren, always ensuring to get in a spirited game of cards with her grandchildren. Today, although we miss her greatly, we know that she is overjoyed to be reunited in heaven with the love of her life and b eloved husband of 69 years, Frank.
Catherine is predeceased by her husband, Frank, her son, Robert, daughters, Denise and Lisa, brothers, Severin, William, and Henry, and sisters, Ruth and Irene. She is survived by her sister, Frieda, sons, Jeff (Candi), Richard, Paul, and James (Carla), Lee (son-in-law), daughters Ann (Pepper) and Jan, as well as 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
For information regarding services please contact Frank's daughter, Ann, at annklawrence@gmail. com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Frank's and Catherine's home church, St. Euphasia Catholic Church in Granada Hills, CA:
To
to the family, pleaseShow more
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
