Merritt Allen Miller, age 72, and longtime resident of Hoquiam, died on Jan. 29, 2021, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital. His wife, Connie (Bowers) Miller, age 69, died on Feb. 1, 2021, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital.

Merritt was born on Aug. 5, 1948, in Seattle to Merritt Dathon and Ellen Emolina (Marlow) Miller. The family moved to the Harbor in the early 1950s.

He grew up in Cosmopolis, graduated from Aberdeen high School in 1966 and attended Grays Harbor College. In 1968, he enlisted in the United States Army and served two enlisted periods and two tours of Vietnam.

Upon his discharge, he returned to the Harbor where he worked at local mills. He would later return to Grays Harbor College where he became a machinist. He finished his last working years at the age of 65 as a log truck driver, primarily with Lutton Trucking.

He loved animals of all types, especially birds; gardening and the outdoors in general. He also loved to work on cars, motors and being in his garage.

Connie was born on Nov. 20, 1951, in Hoquiam, Washington to Robert Columbus and Dolly Elzora (Wilson) Bowers. She is remembered as accepting everyone with open arms and a big heart.

The couple is survived by a son David Miller and his wife Dusty of Aberdeen and five grandchildren: Cherridan Miller, Zachary Miller, Kayla Fremetis, Kadie Flemetis and Savannah Miller. A son, Derrick, died previously.

Merritt is also survived by two brothers, Charles Miller of Aberdeen and Paul Miller of Aberdeen; one sister, Vicki Miller of Sun City, Arizona; and Connie is survived by two brothers and their spouses, Arnold and Lollie Bowers of Hoquiam and Lawrence and Linda Bowers of Arizona; and a sister and her spouse, Carol and Toby Hubbard of Aberdeen.

Four brothers and a sister preceded her in death.

A graveside service with military honors was held on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park.

Please take a moment to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.