Debra Miller

DAWN MILLER passed from this life to be with God on the morning of September 26,2017, after a brief, difficult battle with cancer. Take care of her, Lord!

Dawn was born to Melvin L and Pauline Miller in Carlsbad, NM on April 21,1957, which happened to be Easter that year. She grew up in Carlsbad, Artesia, and Santa Fe, but mostly in Roswell, where she attended Parkview Elementary, Sierra Middle School and graduated from Roswell High School In 1975, where she played tennis and was a cheerleader. She attended NMSU, but soon opted for other pursuits and travelling. She did later return to college, earning her B.S degree and then her M.S. in Physical Therapy while living In Boulder and Denver, Colorado. She loved her life there, working for the U.S. Post Office, skiing, mountain climbing, camping, hiking, travelling and going to school. In 1996, Dawn transferred to the Roswell Post Office temporarily to help care for her father until his passing. After graduating with her physical therapy degree in Denver, she began a new career in Ruidoso NM, then moved to Roswell to become the primary caregiver for her mother until her death in 2013. She worked for Eastern New Mexico Medical Center and then as a contract home health therapist for various agencies in Roswell until recently.

Anyone acquainted with Dawn since her Roswell High School days can attest to her one-of-a- kind personality. You never had to worry about what she thought or wanted, because she would definitely tell you, but in a friendly, non-threatening way. She was game for anything fun, interesting or exciting. She back-packed throughout Europe when young, and later back-packed Scandinavia. She later wondered if she fell under some kind of spell in Norway, because she spent an exorbitant amount of money (for her) buying trolls and sending them home to her friends and family. Some of these trolls still show up when you least expect it. She later went to every corner of the United States, from Alaska to Hawaii to California to Vermont and Florida. She made solo visits to Puerto Rico, Belize and Costa Rica and other places we may have forgotten, where she loved to scuba dive, hike or raft and eat the local food. Dawn was a loyal friend to many over the years, but always maintained special ties to her Roswell High School pals. She now can catch up with her special friend while in Denver, J.P. Jacobson, who died climbing in the Andes many years ago, and Teresa Casarez, whose life ended in a car accident in Santa Fe. But the rest of us, including her many nieces and nephews will miss her big laugh and enjoyment of life.

Dawn was preceded in death by both of her parents mentioned above. She is survived by her siblings: sisters Lyn (and husband Pat) Morris of Mesquite TX, Tamera Miller of Roswell and Linda Miller, brothers Barry (and wife Elaine) Miller of Lovington, and Tim (and wife Nola) Miller of Roswell. Also, her many nieces and nephews: Kevin, Logan, Bailey, Shana, Sean, Josh, Justin, Alycia, Alana, Bryttany and Samuel.

The family wishes to thank Dawn's friends who made special efforts to see and communicate with her during her battle with cancer. The entire staff at Kymera were particularly kind and caring, especially Debra Chaffin. Thank to others who cared for Dawn these past months. Finally, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Chaves County Cancer Society (PO Box 193, Roswell NM 88202) or Assurance Home of Roswell (1000 E. 8th, Roswell NM 88201) or a special cause close to your heart!

A memorial gathering for family and friends is being planned at a date and time to be announced later.