LYLA MILLER

Lyla Willetta (Gilkey) Miller passed away after celebrating our Lord’s birth surrounded by the love of her family on December 26, 2025 at age 85.

The daughter of John Ernest Gilkey and Monica Willett, Lyla grew up “Letty” in Louisville, KY along with her 7 siblings: Harold, Ernestine, Maurice, Ann, Jerry, Kenny, and Kathy. She is survived by Jerry and Kathy.

Letty married Tom Smith Miller II at St. Columba Church in Louisville, KY. Together they were blessed with seven children: Steven (Lorie), Richard (Laura), Rebecca (Geoffrey), Troy, Maryfrances (Cary), Amanda (Frank), and Tomi (Stuart). The loving spouses she would count amongst her children. In addition, she leaves behind 15 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Tom passed away in 2021. Letty was also preceded in death by her dear granddaughter, Frances in 2024.

Letty’s most important role was that of a wife and mother. From Louisville Letty and Tom moved to Roslyn Heights, NY, and eventually settled in San Marino, CA, to raise their family. Letty later moved to Monrovia, CA. She recognized her life was a gift with the purpose to be lived for the glory of God.

As a wife and mom, Letty was the overseer of the home. Letty spent her time supporting her children in school with all their varied activities.

She was an extraordinary seamstress, making her children’s clothing, including her daughter’s prom gowns, wedding dresses, first communion dresses, and baptismal gowns.

Letty was an avid golfer, veracious reader, thoroughly enjoyed literature and history, traveling, and thrifting. She attended Bible studies and countless prayer meetings. She loved people and her heart and home were always open.

When blessed with grandchildren she traveled to their homes for weeks on end helping with whatever was needed and sharing in their families lives.

She lived as she taught us “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thess. 5:16

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 AM Thursday, January 8, 2026 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 140 Chestnut St. Pasadena, CA.

A Rosary will be held at 7:15 PM on Wednesday, January 7th at St. Andrew Church.

Burial to follow at San Fernando Mission Hills Cemetery weather permitting at 11160 Stranwood Avenue, Mission Hills, CA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Letty’s memory to St. Andrew Church. 

www.saintandrewpasadena.org