Elaine Grace Miller

Elaine Grace Miller, age 93, formerly of Draper, S.D., passed away peacefully Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Hospice House in Rapid City, S.D. 

Elaine was born June 20, 1926 in Des Moines, Iowa to Lewis and Ila Sterner. She was the oldest of five children:  sister Hazel (Pete) Nohrenberg and brothers Eddie (Kitty) Sterner, Donny (Betty) Sterner, and Raymond (Margie) Sterner. Elaine started school in Westover, S.D., and graduated from Murdo High School in 1944.  Following graduation, she was employed briefly at Sanderson Hardware until meeting the love of her life, Don Miller.

Elaine was married to Don in the fall of 1946 in Pierre, S.D., and four children were born of this marriage: Herb (Karen) Miller, Ron Miller (Tammy Steger), Ila Fedderson, and Sheree (Wayne) Reit.  Don and Elaine moved to Draper, S.D. in 1952 to start Miller Trucking.  They always enjoyed the wonderful community of Draper, where they raised their children and lived until retirement in 1995.  

Elaine’s passions included keeping one of the most beautiful lawns and flower gardens in the town of Draper, baking goodies for all of her family and friends, spending time at their cabin in the Black Hills, sewing clothes for children and later for dolls and Barbies, journaling daily, taking and sharing pictures, and watching after all of her grandkids. Her greatest devotion was helping raise her grandkids, and she was simply one of the best grandmothers with which her family could have been blessed.  

Following their retirement, Don and Elaine moved to the Black Hills.  The cabin they built in 1977, and expanded a handful of times, would become their full-time home. Elaine loved being so close to nature and all its beauty.  She once again would turn their lawn into a sprawling flower garden, with the babbling Prairie Creek serving as the backdrop.  They would often seek adventure on their ATVs to explore the Black Hills more closely. She enjoyed watching the visiting animals, and hearing the breeze blowing through the tall Black Hills pines. She was always happiest when the house was filled with the laughter of family and the smells of her good cooking lingering in the air.

After 73 years of marriage she will be missed most by her devoted husband. Her beautiful life will also forever be cherished by her children, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, sister Hazel, and son Herb. 

Funeral services will be held at the Draper auditorium at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2020. A family burial to be done at a later date in Draper Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please direct donations to The Draper Auditorium in Draper, S.D.