ROSALIE "DEEDOE" PIERCE MILLER September 28, 1935- June 3, 2024 Rosalie aka "Deedoe" Pierce Miller was born on September 28, 1935 in Fresno, California and passed away June 3, 2024 in Visalia, California. The youngest of six siblings, Rosalie developed a deep appreciation of family and a respect for their work ethic. She noticed that those who were hard workers, more often than not, were successful. So, at seven years old, Rosalie got on her bicycle, rode down to the corner store and got a job bagging groceries. Her ability to do math "in her head" was helpful also. Already an "A" student in elementary school, Rosalie would assist her teachers and when needed and also worked in the Principals office. In 1949 Rosalie became a student at Exeter High School. Having many friends, Rosalie could be found on weekends attending matinees at the Fox Theater in Visalia or swimming at Slick Rock. She also learned how to play the steel guitar and was a life-long fan of Country Western music. After graduating High School, Rosalie attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia. While having lunch one day at the local A&W with friends, a young man with a wide grin approached their car and introduced himself. George Miller had recently returned to California after serving in Korea and had a new job with Treanor Equipment Company. George had a winning personality, a great sense of humor and in Rosalie he found the perfect partner. Married in 1953, they were soon joined by daughters Donna and Joanne. In 1958, George purchased an International Harvester Truck and Tractor dealership in Reno, Nevada. So at age 23, Rosalie was not only a full-time mother and wife, she was also at George's side welcoming local clients and those from other countries. She attended dinners and shows at the many famous clubs and saw the top entertainers of the day. It was in Nevada where we were introduced to the weekend activity called "GOING FOR A RIDE." It appeared that the purpose of "the ride" was for Rosalie to find a piece of property as far from home as possible and then drive many miles at a high rate of speed to find it. (There was no speed limit in Nevada at that time.) We could be found on the top of mountains, on the side of mountains, lake sides and deserts. Rosalie would gleefully locate the property and she would announce the price and the true value of every surrounding property. This is how we found out about her great love of all things "Real Estate". It also explained her love of playing Monopoly and her steadfast refusal to ever "let us" win. Though we swore we would never play again, through our tears, we saw how happy it made her and gave in time after time. After returning to California in 1966, Rosalie concentrated on taking care of her immediate family. In 1971, the family moved to Kingsburg, California due to it's being centrally located to Dad's work. After surviving our "teenage" years, Rosalie successfully got us to the finish line. She and Dad, watched us graduate, leave home and then Rosalie proceeded to pursue her dream. In 1975, Rosalie went to college and got her Real Estate license. A year later, she bought her first business and became the broker for Castle Realty. During the following years she did property management for multiple owners and also began purchasing her own property a little at a time. She enjoyed working and meeting with anyone who had an interest in property and in Tulare County history. Rosalie never met a stranger and made many friends over her lifetime. She served as President and Secretary at various times for several Homeowner's Associations and also served on the Tulare County Board of Realtors. For 20 years she ran a very busy and successful real estate business,but, she never forgot her grandchildren of whom she was so proud and continued to attend music programs, dance recitals, sporting events and was known to give a golf lesson or two. She never missed a birthday or a swim party and cooked Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner every year! Rosalie loved people and helped many fulfil their dream of home ownership and offered support and help for those wanting to have their own business. She took care of her mother, her siblings, her grandchildren, and her husband when he developed ALS. Rosalie also loved working in her backyard in the sun. She spent hours pruning trees, weeding, planting and watering. She raised fruit and vegetables and grandkids all at the same time. Recently she would sit in her recliner in her "sunroom" to feel the heat of the sun and enjoy the view. She often commented on how beautiful the yard had become and how happy she was to sit and enjoy it. With class and grace, and on her own terms, she navigated her life joyfully through its ups and downs. We believe that, upon review, she would have agreed that her life was truly, "a life well lived." We were honored to have had her in our lives and we will miss her very much. But, as she often said to us, we would like to say to her: Rosalie, Mom or Deedoe, "JUST REMEMBER THAT WE LOVE YOU" Rosalie is survived by her daughters Donna Miller and Joanne Anderson (Brian) of Visalia; Grandchildren, Daniel Silva (Teresa) of Visalia, Jessica Silva of San Diego, Charlotte Gomes (Justin) of Visalia, Leigh Oehlert (Jay) of Tulare, Cash Anderson and Austin Anderson, of Visalia. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews of whom she often spoke. Rosalie was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Miller and her parents William Alden Pierce and Mary Zajic Pierce. Also preceding her were her brothers, Joseph W. Pierce, Victor E. Pierce and her sister's Frances Noell, Irene Sousamian and Catherine Whyte. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave in Visalia, CA 93277 We would like to express our appreciation to the many caregivers, Registered Nurses, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists from both Kaweah Health and Adventist Health that worked with Rosalie. A very special thank you to Cathy and Vern Laney for their constant friendship and kindness throughout the years to both George and Rosalie. And also to Pastor Daryl Taylor and wife Victoria for their continuing friendship and support. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.
