Leland Miller,

Dr. L. Ross Miller resided in Corvallis and passed away at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center at the age of 82. He was known to family, friends and clients as Dad, Ross and Doc Miller. Ross, born in Winthrop, Wash., was the oldest son of George and Mary Miller. He grew up on several ranches in the Methow Valley owned by his parents. He graduated from Twisp High School. In 1950, he married W. Elaine Thompson of Carlton, Wash. Ross enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean conflict. During his service, their son Mikel was born. After receiving an honorable discharge, Ross went back to the Methow and worked in the timber industry. Ross was accepted to Washington State University on the GI Bill. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and went on to obtain his doctorate in veterinary medicine. The family lived in Pullman, Wash., while Ross was attending college and their other two children, Karen and George, were born. Upon receiving his doctorate, he was hired as a veterinarian in Cottage Grove. Later he moved on to Clark Veterinary Clinic in Corvallis, and worked for Dr. Clark for several years. In 1970, Ross and Elaine started Town and Country Animal Clinic on North Ninth Street in Corvallis. He practiced large and small animal veterinary medicine for 30 years. He sold Town and Country in 2000 and semiretired, but continued to practice part time for several years. He and Elaine were active in the Corvallis community and raised all three children here. Ross and Elaine remained in Corvallis. They enjoyed traveling to the coast and Central Oregon, and visiting their family. They were active in the Corvallis Elks Lodge, where Ross volunteered many hours and served as a trustee. He also was on various boards and committees for the Oregon State University Veterinary School of Medicine, and helped in its establishment. Elaine passed away in 2001. Later, Ross met Joanne Woods in Corvallis. He and Joanne enjoyed traveling to visit their families and spending time at the Eagles Lodge with friends. Ross’ greatest love was his family. He is survived by his sons, Mikel (Lynn) Miller of Powell Butte and George (Christy) Miller of Philomath; daughter Karen VanderPlaat (Andy) of Pendleton; and his companion, Joanne Woods of Corvallis. He also is survived by his brothers Claude (Pat) Miller and Carl (Roxie) Miller of Winthrop. Ross had seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, at Corvallis Senior Center, 2601 N.W. Tyler Ave. McHenry Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. Donations in memory of L. Ross Miller, DVM, for the benefit of Benton Hospice Service or the American Cancer Society can be sent in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 N.W. Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330.

Tributes

Leland Miller,

March 17, 1930 - December 12, 2012