June Marie Cowley Miller

December 5, 1930 – December 16, 2025

June grew up in Kankakee, Illinois the little sister to Arthur Cowley, Jr. and daughter of Arthur and Maxine Cowley. One of her favorite memories was to climb the cherry tree and sit in it eating fresh picked cherries. She loved music, learned to play accordion and was a member of a traveling band with her brother and friends. Beautiful June was always professional and proper, yet also always up for a fun time and a heartfelt laugh.

Charles “Chuck” Miller met June at a military dance held in Denver, Colorado. He was in the Air Force stationed there and she worked at an all-girls college dorm as a telephone operator and joined the students each Saturday as a dance hostess on base. They fell in love and were married three months later, December 6, 1951. Their family grew having two sons: Mikel and Gary (deceased) and three daughters Sandra, Maureen and Sheryl. They enjoyed camping, fishing, sunsets, dancing, horses, travel and anything outdoors. They moved around; lived in Illinois, Tennessee, Phoenix, El Paso and Tucson. Loving Tucson, they stayed and raised their children. Chuck and June were business owners, one of which was Zebra Exterminating, later changed to Zebra Pest Control, June was the office manager and bookkeeper. Together, they were 4-H leaders for the Horse Project for 6 years and were on a square dance performance team. June kept her childhood friends close throughout her life and her cousin Audrey was her best friend. She loved her family. June was truly faithful with powerful prayers and a strong religious path.

June is survived by four children: Mikel Miller, Sandra Miller Balsiger (Derick Balsiger), Maureen Miller (Mike Gorham) and Sheryl Miller Norton (Marvin Norton). Grandchildren: Alexander Miller (deceased), Kohl, Jake (Jackie), Rio (Aliyah), Brandon, Bryce. Great Grandchildren: Vincent, Jonah, Shepherd, Apollo, Azrael, Rose, Elinore and Hal.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life and Open House for Memories January 2, 2026 from 11am-1pm at the residence where she last lived (contact (520) 237-6234 for detailed address). Followed by a private gathering for family on Mount Lemmon.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pima County Animal Care Center, a Horse Rescue or the Desert Museum.