Valerie Rose Howerton Miller's Obituary
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Valerie Rose Howerton Miller on September 16, 2023.
Valerie passed away peacefully at her home in Portola Valley surrounded by her family after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Valerie has been reunited in heaven with her loving parents, Vince and Dorthy Howerton and her cherished sister, Vickie Gardner.
She will be greatly missed by her adoring husband, Joseph Miller and her beloved bonus children, Jessica (Hekima) Butler, Joseph (Lina) Miller and Richard Miller, her two beautiful granddaughters, Hekima Butler and Ellie Miller, her brother, Wayne (Beverly) Howerton and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Valerie was born May 8th, 1955 and had an idyllic childhood in Portola Valley riding her horses through the beautiful hills with her sister and friends, swimming competitively for Alpine Hills swim team and reading every book she could get her hands on. She attended Ravenswood High School then Brigham Young University where she spent a memorable semester abroad in Austria.
Valerie married the love of her life, Joseph, in 1989. They spent 35 happy years married and enjoyed traveling, golfing, home projects and simply being together. She embraced her three bonus children as if they were her own and loved being grandma to her two beautiful granddaughters. She was also a loving Auntie to her nieces and nephews and made a point to gather the family.
Valerie and Joe built a picturesque ohana in Maui where they embraced island life, often hosting family and friends, enjoying papaya from their trees, celebrating weddings and driving their golf cart to the pond.
Valerie was the President of her family’s business, Columbia Mechanical Contractors, Inc. in San Francisco. During her 40+ years at Columbia, she touched a countless number of lives. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone, had a way about bringing out the best in people and remaining calm in any situation.
Valerie had an adventurous spirit and fully enjoyed life. She was an accomplished equestrian and adored her horse Sky. She loved animals and had numerous dogs, cats and horses throughout her life. She was a talented golfer and often won the women’s long drive and even got a hole in one. She was a certified scuba diver and enjoyed exploring the ocean.
Valerie loved art, music and decorating her lovely homes. With her beautiful, sparkling green eyes she enjoyed seeing the world through travel and meeting new people from all walks of life. Her smile brightened every room she entered and her great laugh was infectious to those all around her. She had a passion for life that kept her strong throughout every obstacle she encountered. Valerie’s determination to overcome adversity was a marvel to everyone who knew her.
She will be remembered as an elegant warrior who enhanced the lives of all who knew her, her memory is a blessing.
What’s your fondest memory of Valerie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Valerie?
Share a story where Valerie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Valerie you’ll never forget.
How did Valerie make you smile?