MILLER, George R.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 09/02/2005 George R. Miller, 86, died Saturday, Aug. 27, 2005 at the RTA Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Lakeside. He attended Glendale Union High School and worked summers at the Glendale Crystal Ice Plant. On graduation in 1936, he was offered a job and worked at several of the Phoenix plants, all the while studying refrigeration on his own. When World War II was declared, he was inducted and stationed in Oklahoma for training. George applied for overseas duty and was sent to Aruba as a Staff Sgt. in Ordnance. After graduating from Officers' Training, he was part of a group that tested, improved and maintained heavy ordnance for the Army's artillery divisions throughout Europe. At wars end, George returned to Crystal Ice and rapidly advanced to Chief Engineer of Western Division (four states) of City Products, which had purchased Crystal Ice. Through his effort and designs, patents were registered on refrigeration innovations. He was a "self-made man," and his family is extremely proud of him and his accomplishments. He will be greatly missed. George is survived by his wife, IvaGene; daughter, Gail (Del) Etter; grandchildren, Scott Etter and Julie Heal; sister, Helen Moore; nieces, Norma Wood and Lynda Klapprott; nephews Larry and John Wilson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to RTA Hospice, 1789 W. Commerce, Lakeside, AZ 85929. Private memorial services will be held. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, you are invited to visit www.owensmortuary.com.