Ronald Ches Miller passed away at home on May 6, 2025. He was born on November 28, 1938, in Brigham City, Utah, along with his twin brother Robert Peake. Ron was the first to arrive. The family moved to Ruth, Nevada, in 1943. He attended Ruth Grade School and White Pine High School, graduating with the Class of 1957.
Ron joined the United States Army on June 14, 1957, and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and was a part of the 18th Airborne Corps “Blue Dragons”, where he graduated as a paratrooper. During the final years in the Army, Ron was a part of the General’s Staff, as the personal driver for the General. He received the parachute badge, two letters of accommodation, and a good conduct medal. Ron always told the stories of jumping out of twenty-one perfectly good airplanes or helicopters. The only time he ever landed in an aircraft was when he would catch a transport ride home for leave. He was honorably discharged from the Army on June 30, 1963.
Returning home from the Army, Ron worked for one of the banks in Ely during the day, and at the drive-in theater at night. After a short period of time in Ely, he moved to Tremonton, Utah, where he was a gate security officer at Thiokol. About a year later, he moved to McGill, Nevada, where he went to work for Kennecott Copper Corporation in the time office.
Ron went to work for Ely Light and Power Company on June 16, 1970, which later became Mt. Wheeler Power Company as an apprentice lineman. After completing his training, he became a journeyman lineman and foreman. After over 31 years, he retired from Mt. Wheeler Power on January 31, 2001.
In the early 1980’s while he still worked for Mt. Wheeler Power during the weekdays, Ron received his Realtor’s License and worked for Desert Mountain Realty during the evenings and weekends for five years.
Always keeping busy and liking to have things to do, after retirement, Ron volunteered at the Northern Nevada Railroad Museum for over five years, where he was a Train Conductor.
A few years after Ron retired, he was elected to the Mt. Wheeler Power Board of Directors, District 1, where he served for twelve years. During that time, he was the Secretary of the Board. He was very proud to receive the NRECA Gold Certificate Award for his 168 hours of continued educational studies in the energy industry as a Director.
Ron was a member of the Jaycees and a volunteer fireman for the City of Ely Volunteer Fire Department.
Ron is survived by his wife and soul mate, Linda Miller, of 47 years, his sons Bill (Jacque), David (Duana), Jimmy (Carolynn), and Robert. His siblings, twin brother Robert (Nancy), Reese (Judy), Dan (Peg), Mike, Mary (Robert), Kathy (Julian), Carol, and Vickey. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus and Florence Miller, and Verla Able, siblings Carlos Able, Alan Able, and Jim Able, and great-grandson Caleb Soap.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, starting at 11:00 A.M. at the Mountain Vista Chapel in Ely, Nevada.
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