Revised March 10
Russell Dee Miller, age 79, passed away on the morning of March 2, 2025. He was born September 26, 1945, in Cleveland, Utah to Dee and Doris {Tucker} Miller.
Russ graduated from Cyprus High School in Magna Utah with the class of 63 where he was a member of the Cyprus Swim Team. During his senior year he met Marie Johnson on a blind date and after corresponding for a year they were married in September of 1963. Russ and Marie recently celebrated 61 years of marriage, most of which were spent living in Cedar City.
Russ worked for many years as a technician, lineman and supervisor with Mountain Bell / US West. He also spent over 25 years as a member of the Iron County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team where he volunteered countless hours helping with search, rescue and recovery operations. He loved his time spent searching for and rescuing lost children, hikers and hunters. He also aided in recovery of unfortunate people lost in airplane crashes and automobile accidents. Russ was certified in first aid and rappelling and used those skills many times. He served in many leadership positions and was eventually elected to serve as the National Search and Rescue Commander from 1988 to 1989.
Russ loved being outdoors hunting, fishing and camping. He also enjoyed seeing new country so he did a lot of traveling and enjoyed cruises to Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. He never met a dog he didn’t like (well maybe one, psycho you know who you are). He loved horses and tried his hand at raising almost every type of barnyard animal.
Russ will be forever missed and leaves behind his eternal companion Marie, his sons, Clint (April) and Jason and his daughter Kelly (Jeff) along with 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren with another on the way. “He was preceded in death by his father Dee, his mother Doris, an infant daughter DeAnn, his younger brothers Kenny and Kerry and many uncles, aunts and cousins.”
Russ was a simple man and didn’t want a funeral or graveside service but a meet and greet will be held for family and friends to remember him, share memories and swap tall tales. Only casual dress will be allowed and it will be 15 March 2025 from 2 to 5:00 PM at the Cedar City Three Peaks Ward Chapel 70 East Midvalley Road, Enoch Utah in the Relief Society Room”. Please no flowers but cards and letters are great and appreciated.