Heather Miller Obituary

Heather Rosemary Dinnes Miller, Ph.D. June 7, 1935 - June 20, 2025

Heather Miller passed away from end-stage Alzheimer's/Dementia in Escondido, CA, on June 20, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born on June 7, 1935, in Walthamstow, Essex, England, now part of the London Borough of Waltham Forest, as the youngest child of Albert James Dinnes and Alice Maud Davies.

Her early childhood unfolded against the backdrop of World War II. From the outbreak of war in 1939 to its end in 1945, Heather endured rationing, bombings, and daily uncertainty, like so many others of her generation in that part of London. Her mother encouraged her interest in dance and the arts, inspired by Heather's aunt, Theatre actress Jesse Davis (Luard), and her grandmother, Ann Davies, a renowned Welsh vocalist. These early influences helped shape the quiet strength, poise, and creative spirit that would define her throughout life.

In September 1949, Heather's family immigrated to the United States. They were sponsored by her uncle, Bill Davies, a merchant marine who had settled in San Diego, California, years earlier. Heather quickly embraced her new life.

She attended National City Junior High and later graduated from Sweetwater High School. She performed in school theater productions, became a pom-pom cheerleader, eventually rising to captain, and immersed herself in the local arts. Outside of school, she performed with the San Diego Junior Theater and danced with the USO at community events, including the Del Mar Fair and historical celebrations in Old Town San Diego.

It was at the Del Mar Fair in June 1951 that Heather met her future husband, Robert Paul "Bob" Miller Jr., a student from Chula Vista High School. They eloped and were married on September 4, 1954, in Yuma, Arizona. Together, they built a life rooted in love, patience, and shared dreams, raising three sons: Robert, Russell, and Roderick. The family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1960, with Bob and Heather holding many volunteer positions within their local congregations.

Heather resumed her education, balancing motherhood with academic determination. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from San Diego State University and ultimately her Doctorate in Speech Communication from the United States International University.

As principal of Grace Lutheran School, Heather successfully expanded the curriculum to include middle school grades. In 1977, she became a lecturer at the University of Washington, and later returned to San Diego to serve as an administrator at United States International University. During her tenure, she was assigned to oversee the university's English campus-an especially cherished chapter, as her youngest son, Roderick, was also working there. She later continued her career at National University, coordinating special events with her signature grace and attention to detail.

In 1999, Bob and Heather moved to Borrego Springs, where he worked in real estate and she worked as a substitute teacher. Bob passed away in 2005, and in 2014 Heather moved to Poway to be closer to her sons and grandchildren, where she remained until December 2022 before relocating to Escondido.

Heather's greatest accomplishments were not her degrees or titles, but the love she poured into raising her sons and nurturing her family alongside her beloved husband. Through decades of change, her strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion were constants in the lives of everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Paul Miller III of Cadiz, Spain, and Roderick Craig (Valerie) Miller of Poway; Mary Ellen Haywood of San Diego; sisters-in-law Monica Dinnes and Christina Dinnes of Florida; grandchildren Robert P. Miller IV, Christian (Jodi) Creeden, James (Kimberly) Thrasher, Justin (Laura) Miller, Kristen (Mark) McLean, Erick (Natalie) Miller, Heather (Caleb) Flint, Nick, Shane, and Lara Miller; and twelve great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of fifty years, Bob; her daughter-in-law, Gena Ortiz-Franco; her brothers, Keith and Terry Dinnes; her son, Russell James Miller; and her grandsons, Jared and Caleb Miller.

Those wishing to honor Heather's memory may contribute to Radiant Hospice online at www.radianthospice.com or by mail to:

Radiant Hospice 7675 Dagget St, Suite #370 San Diego, CA 92111

or to:

All Things Hospice 330 Rancheros Drive San Marcos, CA 92069

Heather will be buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, alongside her husband. Services will be held at a future date.