Dorothy Jane Swenson Miller, passed away September 5, 2011 in her home. She was born June 7, 1935 to T.D. Swenson and Velma Fae Ricketson Swenson at Oxford, Texas. Dorothy graduated from Llano High School. She married Jim Porch July 7, 1953. They had one son, Wayne, who died in a car accident January 5, 1996. She attended the University of Texas at Austin and received her Bachelors degree from Trinity University in 1956 where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta.

Dorothy is survived by one sister Cherry Kay Lange, granddaughter Bonney Porch and three great grandchildren Dax, Zane, and Marley Mae Porch. "Chosen daughter" Jimma Byrd and husband John, granddaughter Dawn Ball and husband Stan, and great granddaughter Lauren; eleven step-grandchildren and nine step-great grandchildren. Dorothy is also survived by nephew Craig Lange and nieces Lynda Kuder and KayAnn Squires along with their spouses and children her stepchildren, Cathy Miller McDowell and husband Tom; Ann Miller Gilbert and husband Larry; Sherry Vonn Miller Smith and husband Ronnie Pete; and Sam Miller.

Dorothy married Richard Miller February 1, 1976. He preceded her in death after 10 happy years together.

Dorothy was a member of the Goldthwaite Methodist Church and active in her community. She served the communities of Goldthwaite, Richland Springs and Cherokee as a teacher in the public schools. She taught art, civics, and history and retired from teaching in 2002. She loved children and was beloved by them. One of her greatest joys was attending sporting events. Not just for her own children and grandchildren, but all the children she took under her wing and "grandmothered". She loved Longhorn football and basketball games.

Dorothy was a founding member of the Texas Gourd Society as well as a member of both San Saba and Goldthwaite Garden Clubs and the Pierian Study Club. She was an avid horticulturist and a lifetime member of District V Texas State Garden Clubs. She primarily collected native plants in her extensive garden. An artist in her own right, there was no project from looming a rug, to making soap, to tailoring a coat, to beading a necklace that she did not attempt and excel at doing.

Dorothy was on good terms with everyone. She was a world traveler and squeezed as much as she could out of every day. She was patient and tolerant of us all. Dorothy was gracious and exhibited grace. She loved the vitality of the wildlife all around her. She passed peacefully and truly believed that "all is well". Dorothy will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Graveside service was held at the McMillin Cemetery, Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the San Saba or Goldthwaite Garden Club.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home, San Saba, Texas.