Bert Malone Miller

Beautiful and loving lives, like that of the incredible Bert Malone Miller of Ferndale, Washington are precious gifts from a generous God. Born May 13, 1951, in Washington, Iowa, Bert passed to heaven July 19, 2022, after a swift and daunting illness. Bert's vital faith in Jesus, sparkling humor, and deep kindness enriched the lives of countless folk. She truly loved sharing life and backroad adventure with her beloved wife, Stacy, and their much-loved children, Justin and Matti. Bert and Stacy, devoted to each other across more than thirty years, relished their children, blessed their broader community, and crafted a truly welcoming home. Bert also leaves behind her mother, Nellie Lloyd; her brothers Bob and Dwayne Miller; her parents-in-law Richard and Betty Vanderlin; her brother-in-law Robert Malone and family; her brother-in-law Jimmy Vanderlin and family; her sister-in-law Tina Vanderlin and family; and her sister-in-law Cathy Adney and family. Many additional extended family members and countless dear friends are also marking their deep loss of Bert. In childhood, Bert was a champion at marbles. School recess often found her huddled with the boys, stooped low in rigorous play. Filled with undeniable prowess, Bert often came away from the play adding more beauty to her growing collection of prized marbles. Sport and speed were young Bert's friends. At softball, she smashed homeruns and raced the bases. She was always the first person at the tetherball pole. In that time, and across a lifetime, Bert was first at many things. Bruised by the tragic loss of her beloved sister, Diane, Bert entered young adulthood already possessing a great empathy for others. She first worked to make what seemed a broken world better â€" employing that same schoolyard competitive strength and strategy â€" by joining the army. After her exemplary military service, Bert's brave determination to live her own truth made her an early and lifelong activist for lesbian and gay rights. Bert's deep and abiding faith, rooted in a personal and interactive dialogue with God, fueled her path through seminary and into ministry. Coming from an environment where women were disallowed from the pulpit, Bert broke new ground as she took her place, raised her voice, and declared God's loving heart for all people. Throughout Bert's long service as a Pastor, her invitational and deep compassion, unique ability to connect with others, and compelling sense of story welcomed many largely marginalized folks into a first and transformative awareness of God's deep and abiding love. After shifting from formal pastoral service, all while continuing to facilitate many life-changing Bible studies and care groups, Bert rounded out her career by serving Washington state. Her vital work at the county and state level included connecting countless people with employment and professional development opportunities. Bert's dynamic ability to connect with, and lead, others made her a highly valued advocate for all. A celebration of Bert's life will be held at 1 pm. on September 11, 2022, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2401 Cornwall, Bellingham. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation of blood in Bert's memory. Folks may also mark Bert's passing by contributing scholarship funds for Matti. Gifts can be deposited into the "Matti Malone Miller Benefit Account" at any Peoples Bank, Washington.

Bert Malone Miller

May 13, 1951 - July 19, 2022