Shirley Ruth Miller

Shirley Ruth Miller, age 90, of Rochester, Minnesota passed away on Sunday, March 1st, 2026, at Charter House Supportive Care in Rochester. Shirley was born on March 15th, 1935, in Humansville, Missouri to James and Ruth (McCall) Potter. Shirley was united in marriage to Harold Miller and the couple shared over 70 years together. They had three children, Eric, Gwen, and Lisa.

Shirley attended SW Missouri State, where she majored in accounting. Harold and Shirley moved to Rochester in 1970 after having lived in Idaho and Indiana for 10 years. In 1972, the couple started Rochester Cheese Sales, a successful dairy and food manufacturing company. Shirley managed the office and finances for their family business. Shirley loved to travel. Over the years, she visited 12 countries, including Cuba. Harold and Shirley were 'snowbirds'; they had winter homes on Captiva and Sanibel Island, Florida and enjoyed many winters there. The couple sold their Florida home in 2022 and moved back to Rochester full time.

An avid gardener, Shirley especially treasured her beautiful collection of orchids. She made great, long-lasting friendships, enjoyed bridge and shopping, and was an excellent cook. Her pies were legendary. She loved spending time with her grandchildren (granddogs too) and spent many weeks in Colorado or Minnesota with them. She was tickled to meet her great grandchild in 2024.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth Potter; her siblings, Jim Potter, JB Potter, and Madeleine Shaw. She is survived by her loving husband of over 70 years, Harold Miller, her children, Eric (Susan) Miller, Gwen Miller (Steve Louris), and Lisa Miller (Bill Severson); grandchildren, Rachel Severson and Derek Severson; and great grandchild, Rosalyn Severson Bjorn.

Memorial services for Shirley will take place at 10:00AM on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN) with refreshments and fellowship to follow the service. Private family burial will take place at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the Rochester Ronald McDonald House, Channel One Food Bank, or Alzheimer's research at the Mayo Clinic.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Miller family.