Martha Louise Miller

Martha Louise Miller (née Milne), also known affectionately as Sessa to many, passed away tragically from the effects of ALS at the age of 69.
Martha was born at Saint Francis Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. She was the daughter of William and Reva Milne; both deceased. Her surviving sisters are Laura Wildman and Paula Milne. Her brother Daniel preceded her in death in 1994.

She married the love of her life Ross Allen Miller on October 16, 1971 in Santa Barbara. They had two children; Matthew Ross Miller and Amanda Kathleen Ritchie. Amanda preceded her in death in May 2019.

Her precious grandchildren are Sabrina Graham, Sawyer Ritchie, Ava Ritchie and Finnly Ritchie. Nieces and Nephews are; Nathaniel Milne, Katrina Milne, Jennifer Milne, Heath Milne and Heather Reyes.

She attended McKinley, Ellwood, La Colina and San Marcos schools in Santa Barbara.

Martha was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the age of 16. She had an unceasing love for her Creator and was fearless in telling anyone and everyone of the hope in her heart. That hope included the resurrection of the dead to an earthly Paradise as promised in John 5:28 where it says, “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out,” and in Revelation 21:4 where it says, “death will be no more, the former things will pass away.”

Martha was an eternal optimist with a bright smile and cheery disposition even in the face of heartbreaking tragedy. She had a generous spirit and wrote hundreds of cards and letters to everyone she knew (and some she didn’t know) to comfort or just to say hello. When she could no longer speak, she still conveyed her love and concern by cards and texts.

She loved old movies, particularly Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. This passion was instilled in all of Reva’s children. She was a wonderful artist, seamstress and poet. She painted Disney characters to perfection on the walls of her grandchildren’s bedrooms. She loved getting together with her sisters for crafting. Painting rocks was a favorite project. She also excelled at Scrabble like her mother.

A truly loving, bright spot is missing in our lives. See you in Paradise our dear girl.

A Zoom service is to be announced.