Lasting Memories

Leta Skaug Miller
Sept. 30, 1923-April 9, 2014
Palo Alto, Calif., California
Submitted by Carolyn Dobervich

Leta Skaug Miller, a resident of Palo Alto, passed away at Stanford Hospital on April 9, 2014, with many of her family at her bedside. She was born on Sept. 30, 1923, in Fargo, N.D., the second of three sisters. She spent her childhood and young adulthood in Rio Linda, Calif., at that time a small farm town, near Sacramento. She married her childhood sweetheart, James. W. Skaug, on Nov. 14, 1942, and together they raised seven children, six of whom survive her. The Spanish adobe-style home she and Jim designed and built with a huge lawn, garden, occasional farm animals, pets and patio barbecue was a welcoming haven to many friends and relatives. Leta's heart and home were vast and open to everyone. She was especially proud of organizing "Creekside Club," a pool and park jointly owned by many friends. As a member of the Lions Club Auxiliary, she especially enjoyed the dances, parties and theatrical presentations.

By the 1980s four of her children had relocated to the Peninsula. When her first grandchild was born in 1980, she moved to Menlo Park to be closer to family. She worked for the State of California Law Revision Commission and was able to transfer to their Palo Alto office. In 1984, she married Louis Oliver Miller, with whom she shared a passion for ballroom dancing. They lived on the mid-Peninsula until he died in 1987.

Leta's most recent years were spent at Stevenson House in Palo Alto, where she was active in community events. She especially enjoyed dog-walking with her much loved pet, Perki, who died a year ago. Until recently, she maintained her reputation as the lady who had a smile and a welcoming hug for everyone, who loved fun, and who would never dream of leaving her room without hair, lipstick and jewelry in place. She was a committed Democrat and enjoyed reading about current affairs. She was on the support committee of the World Affairs Council in the 1990s. She appreciated independent thinkers and considered herself to be one.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn Dobervich of Palo Alto; Tom Skaug of Dixon, Calif.; Richard Skaug of Rio Linda, Calif.; and Aurora Belarmino, Daniel Belarmino and Steven Belarmino, all of San Jose. She is also survived by her sister, Caroline Stewart Martinez of Carmichael, Calif.; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.