Alice Mae Miller

Alice Mae Trujillo was born on December 25, 1927, in Las Animas County, Colorado, to Guillermo (Germo) Trujillo and Erlinda Mae “Della” Mestas. She grew up in small agricultural and mining communities in Las Animas County. Alice was the eldest of the seven siblings, and her early life was spent attending school and church, playing with other children, and helping her mother with household chores, gardening, and caring for the younger children. In her teens, she traveled with her Mother and siblings to Denver to visit her maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She had lifelong relations and memories of her extended maternal family. Family gatherings, delicious foods, music, singing, dancing, and trips to the Rocky Mountains for hikes and picnics filled her life. Alice married young and had three children. Later, with support and assistance from her father and mother-in-law, she moved to Denver and lived with her mother, Della. Once in Denver, Alice was the primary provider for her children. She had a strong work ethic and worked full-time at Schrader's manufacturing, where she made luggage, and worked part-time as a waitress behind the counter at a drugstore. Grandma Della cared for the grandchildren. Their multi-generational household was lively; with a big fenced-in yard for children and pets to play in. Alice’s social life included taking the kids along with her Mom, and her youngest sister to the city park for day-long picnicking and swimming. Occasionally, she would dress up and accompany her sisters, or cousins to concerts at the Red Rock Theater or downtown Denver for street dances. While at work, Alice met William (Bill) Miller, a tall German Swedish man. He stopped by her workstation each day. Eventually she invited him to meet her family, and they spent many evenings with her family, helping to cook meals and doing yard work. On weekends, everyone would pack into his car and go to the mountains, the zoo, or visit relatives. Alice and Bill were married on July 21, 1955, and began their life with the three kids. They stayed in Denver for a few years, where another son was born. Together they moved their family to Iowa and located in the small town of Milo. Bill worked at John Deere, and together they brought two more babies into the Miller household. Over the years, she was a top-notch coordinator, keeping the house, yard, and six kids on track through life. Alice drove many miles, transporting kids to and from activities as well as activities at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Germantown, located in the nearby countryside. After they both retired, they moved to Omaha, Nebraska and later to Elkhorn, Nebraska. They took time to travel throughout the USA, including two trips to Hawaii. They enjoyed time with their two young grandchildren who lived nearby. Alice also volunteered at the local senior care center while Bill volunteered as a handyman to neighbors, friends, and family who needed something repaired. Eventually, they moved into an assisted living facility and loved the newfound friendships they made there as well. On November 7, 2019, Alice lost the love of her life when Bill passed away. In 2022, when Alice needed specialized care, she moved into Brookstone Meadows Care Center. Staff and residents were captured by her meticulous dress, hair, and makeup, as well as her kindness and humor. There was rarely a day when Alice did not have family, friends and pets come to visit her, hear her witty humor, and her laughter. Her grandsons especially knew how to bring her an ice cream shake and her granddaughters spoiled her with flowers. She made several friendships there with the other residents as well as with the amazing staff who cared for her. Alice passed away peacefully early in the morning on June 13, 2025, at Brookstone Meadows in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 97. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her mother, Della; her son, Donald; and her siblings, Josephine, Erma, Edith, Vivian, and Germo. Alice is survived by her loving children Gloria Vermie of Mitchellville, Iowa; Kathleen Miller of Urbandale, Iowa; Richard and Cathy Miller of Gowrie, Iowa; Mary and Terry Curnes of Elkhorn, Nebraska; David Miller of Oakland, Nebraska and two stepsons; Robert and Loretta Miller of Yuma, Arizona and Bill and Linda Miller of Blue Mound, Illinois; her sister JoAnn Naranjo of Williston Florida; and a total of 43 grandchildren , great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. Alice was also very blessed to have several adoring nieces and nephews in her life whom she loved dearly and whom she held in her daily prayers. Alice was a pillar of love and life for her family. She will be missed with a smile. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM at Bethany Lutheran Church followed by the funeral service at 11 AM. A lunch reception will immediately follow the funeral service. Private interment will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery of Elkhorn.

Alice Mae Miller

December 25, 1927 - June 13, 2025