Stanley W. Miller

February 15, 1935 - February 4, 2017

Stanley Ward (Stan) Miller, 81, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Saturday, February 4th, at Crowley County Nursing Center, Ordway, CO. Stanley was born in Rocky Ford, CO on February 15, 1935, son of the late Dorothy Mae (Snyder) and John Myron Miller. He was the widower of Marilyn Grace (Trexler) Miller, they were married on Sept. 3, 1954 in Rocky Ford, CO. She preceded him in death on October 16, 2014. Stan graduated Rocky Ford High School in 1953 and from OJC in 1980. Stan's number one joy was fishing, even making his own flies and lures. He spent countless hours lakeside and bagged some great trophy fish. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle on mountain trails to get the best trout fishing. After retiring from the family farming business Stan enjoyed working in his garden. He grew produce including sweet corn, tomatoes, okra, squash, and of course the famous Rocky Ford Melons. He loved good food, including oyster stew, cabbage soup, and banana cream pie being among his favorites. He enjoyed picnics in the mountains or even in the back yard as well as cooking hot dogs around an open fire. He enjoyed holidays and many birthday cake and ice cream celebrations. Many of the family get-togethers and celebrations featured dads home grown produce. In his earlier days he owned and piloted his own airplane and rode a suicide shift Harley Davidson. He built and flew model aircraft with his children. After retirement he and wife Marilyn had the opportunity to do some traveling. In their adventures they got to visit: Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, the Bahamas, Australia, and Alaska. A little known fact about Stanley was his artistic talent. He created several oil paintings including one of an angus cow. Stan had a quirky sense of humor that endeared him to all that knew him. He continued to make friends even up to his last days, joking with his caregivers in his extended care facility. Stan was even found disabling his bedside alarm so he could sneak out of bed without detection. Stanley was a great hard working family man, great father, grand father and great grandfather. Stanley never met a stranger. He is survived by: Daughter Melanie, wife of Joe Pettie, of Walsenburg, CO; Daughter Cindy, wife of Ron Martinez, of Rocky Ford, CO; Son Mark, husband of Jamileh MIller, of Fresno, CA; Sister Patsy Miller, of Portland, OR; Sister Nancy, wife of Bob Theilmann, of Tempe, AZ. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Stephanie (Mike) Maldonado, Adam Martinez,. Kendal Martinez, Tristan Miller & Grace Miller. 10 great-grandchildren: Anthony, Malachi, Jazmine & Jericho Maldonado, Aedan, Dylan, Alanah, Adam, Rose & Lauren Martinez. Stan was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Marilyn; sister: Valerie Rosenburg; 2 grandchildren: Donnie Pettie & Alan Martinez. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30:00 on Wednesday, February 15th at First Christian Church in Rocky Ford, CO with Pastor John Dell officiating. There will be no viewing as cremation has been effected. Inurnment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery Rocky Ford, CO. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.