Cecilia C. Miller

Cecilia Claire Miller was born on July 13, 1942, in Prosser, Washington to Peter and Celia Steinbock. Cecilia passed away on the morning of May 10, 2026 (Mother’s Day) at the age of 83.

She was the 8th of 17 children born to the couple (12 girls, then 5 boys). She was raised on the family farm and learned the importance of hard work, generosity, and compassion for others – especially the elderly in her family and community.

Cecilia had a deep spiritual foundation, and she attended Sacred Heart church in Prosser and later Holy Spirit church in Kennewick.  She loved the Lord, her family, church, community, and the countless friendships that she forged during her lifetime. Inspired by her mother-in-law Margaret Hazzard she became an exceptional seamstress and made many of her children’s clothes, beautiful linens used in the church and was especially known for her Teddy Bears made from repurposed fur coats.  Cecilia made alterations, hemmed slacks and jeans for the Golden Rule. A woman of many talents, she played the guitar and sang. She also could draw and she painted her children’s class pictures one year. Cecilia enjoyed gardening and was known for producing enough tomatoes for the entire extended family, as well as trophy-sized Dahlias.  She enjoyed thrifting and was a frequent visitor to yard/estate sales, and to Goodwill.  She was known to bring boxes and bags full of clothing and other items to all her children, grandchildren, and others regularly. Nobody could “out give” her.

In her lasts months it was revealed that she had all of Isaiah 53 memorized along with the poem “Life is but a Weaving” that her mother gave her for her birthday when she was young. She also shared her belief… that whatever life gives you, learn to deal with it.

She is preceded in death by her parents Peter and Celia Steinbock, first husband Dale Poe, father and mother-in-law Floyd and Margaret Hazzard, brother-in-law Buster Poe, sisters Audrey Schumacher, Florence Patnode, Beatrice Fields, Inez O’Neil, Rita Goodman, Beulah Flory, Dorothy Pierce, and Donna Bast.  Also, by her beloved grandson Steven “Brad” Austin.

Cecilia is survived by her husband of 8 years, Clarence “Dan” Miller who filled her final years with visits to family, meeting up with friends, and many beautiful moments. Her children; Troy (Cindy) Poe, Marilyn (Jeff) Clifford, John (Neomi) Poe, Rhonda (David) Jensen. Twelve grandchildren; Nich, Brian, Kate, Trent, Marty, Andy, Cecelia, Jessica, Abby, Curt, Chase and Camden; as well as eighteen great grandchildren. Sisters; Mary (Dick) LaFortune, Verna Davin, Libby (Charlie) Scott. Brothers; Peter (Bev), Mark, Tom (Jackie), Steve (Sandy), John (Lori) Steinbock. Sister in Laws; Jackie Poe and Marjorie (Jim) Thrift. 

The family would like to send a special thank you to Elizabeth and Liz, who faithfully visited and encouraged our mother.

Her life was a testament of resilience, faith, and unwavering devotion.

There will be a luncheon at Holy Spirit Parish, 7409 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick on June 16th, 12 - 2 pm, for family and friends.

Those wishing to sign Cecelia's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com .  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.  

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