Mercy Ruth Little Miller 1918 - 2024

[Tom Estes]

Mercy Ruth Little Miller
July 16, 1918—December 17, 2024
Mercy lived 106 years and five months. A long life indeed and so well-lived.
Mercy was born in the Dice family farm house near Belton, Texas on July 16,
1918. With the help of a “horse & buggy" country doctor, her first cry at birth
announced, “I’m here. Look out for me!” Maggie and John Little named their
only child Mercy Ruth. She attended Belton schools and graduated high school
in 1936.
The next chapter of Mercy’s life took her to San Marcos in 1936 where she
enrolled at Southwest Texas State Teachers College. In her first semester, Mercy
met Bill Miller Jr., and the die was cast. After Mercy graduated, they married on
February 17, 1940. Mercy and Bill began their 62 year marriage in Houston.
Mercy and Bill had two sons: Gary was born in1943 and Bill Z. in 1946.
In 1947, The Millers moved to Luling, Texas. Mercy began her 18 year teaching
career in1952. Beloved by her fourth grade students, many stayed in touch over
the decades. Whether you were a student, peer or friend, Mercy was an
inspiration to anyone who crossed her path. For over ten decades, Mercy’s ever-
present smile and keen sense of humor brightened many a lucky soul.
Bishop, Texas was the next stop for the Millers, moving there in 1959. Mercy
continued teaching and established many warm friendships in town.
In 1970, the Millers moved once again—this time to Bubble Springs Farm near
Prairie Lea, Texas. Mercy and Bill lived in the country for 24 years. A green
thumb she had, and her vegetable gardens were magnificent. Plus, no one ever
went hungry near Mercy’s kitchen. As grandson Craig penned, “Momo Mercy Is
Tough in the Kitchen.” She laughingly said that as long as she could stay ahead
of husband Bill’s appetite, things went smoothly on the farm.
San Marcos was the final chapter in Mercy’s life. After husband Bill died in 2001,
Mercy moved to the Wellington Apartments and later to Brookdale North.
Mercy was still playing the piano for the Sunday church service at Brookdale at
the age of 101. Mercy never stopped living or smiling, even at the end. She was
a role model for all who knew her.
Grace was a Mercy Ruth Miller character trait. When asked how she was doing
in her later years, she replied, “What do I have to complain about? I don’t have
to grocery shop, cook, or clean the kitchen. Plus I have air conditioning.” What
more could a person born in 1918 ask? When the subject of death arose, Mercy
declared, “I’ll be here until the Lord has other plans for me.”
Mercy is preceded in death by husband W. Z. Miller Junior. She is survived by:
sons Gary (Sharron), W. Z. III (Trilby), granddaughter Dee Ann Suppes (John),
great-grandchildren Natasha and John Denton; grandson John Craig Miller,
great-granddaughters Sophia and Zoe; granddaughters Kelly Quackenbush
(Trey) and Rebecca and great-grandchildren Jessa and Wiley.
And to Mona Ibarra. Thank you a million times for your love and care of Mercy.
Mercy was a long-time member of the First Christian Church in San Marcos. In
lieu of flowers, please consider Hospice: https://www.stdavidshospicecare.org.
We will advise later of details of a memorial service in San Marcos in 2025. For a
hint at the timing, check these song lyrics:
And when she dies, she says, she'll catch
some blackbird's wing.
And she will fly away to Heaven, come some
sweet bluebonnet spring.