The loving couple was joined by 300 family members and friends for the gala at the Normandy Farm Hotel in Blue Bell. The love and respect of their children was evident in the beautiful tributes given to the Millers by their son, Troy Miller; daughter, Bonita Haines; grandsons, D’Shawn Haines and Devon Haines; and granddaughters, Angelica Hicks and Angelica Miller.
There were also numerous, heartfelt tributes from friends and spiritual leaders who have known and loved the Millers and their family for many years.
The Millers expressed very loving and touching sentiments about how they feel about each other. Delores said, “When I first met Rube (the name she affectionately calls her husband) I said to myself, ‘Hmmm, he could be a keeper.’ Knowing that approximately 800 miles separated us. I really didn’t want to get too excited about this tall, handsome man. He promised to call me and he kept his word.”
They continued to stay in touch by mail and telephone constantly and after seeing each other four times, they married. “I truly believe we were God’s choice for one another,” Delores said.
She continued, “I can’t believe we have been married for 50 years. There is a saying, ‘Time waits for no one.’ How true! It has been a good marriage. Of course we haven’t agreed on everything but we learned to disagree, compromise and continue to love one another. I believe in the Scripture that says, ‘Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall bring it to pass.’ For the time we have left together, I will continue to love you with all my heart and do everything I can to make you happy.”
Rube reflects upon his deep love for his wife and recalls his wedding day vividly. “To God be the glory for the great things he has done! I had not the slightest inkling when I awoke in September 1961 that I would begin the first day of the rest of my life; the day when God would allow our paths to cross for the first time and Delores and I would commence a love relationship that has flourished for half a century.
“Our wedding day, Saturday, August 19, 1962, was a sweltering, humid day when my five groomsmen and I left Philadelphia unprepared for even hotter weather when we arrived in Chicago. I survived the ceremony. I do recall my late brother Vince, taking his handkerchief and wiping the perspiration from my brow as I waited for Delores to enter the sanctuary. When she came into view I recall saying to Vince, who was also my best man, how blessed I was that God had given to me his best. Delores was absolutely beautiful in her wedding gown. Our reception was punctuated by our family friend, Wilt Chamberlain, being among our guests. We didn’t mind that Wilt unknowingly stole the spotlight.”
The anniversary program included many wonderful musical selections, heartfelt remarks by individuals who know and love the Millers, and delicious food and beverages. There was also a very special video presentation that captured memories of the Millers’ life together and a clever quiz created to determine which guests knew facts about the couple’s life together.
A host of family members and guests traveled from the bride’s home state of Illinois to honor Mr. and Mrs. Miller. They included Delores’ sisters, Ruth Bratton, Naomi Harris and Esther Henderson; niece, Nanette Holmes; her brother, Frank Rufus; Rube’s nephew, the Rev. Steven Pinkston; and his wife, Lenore, from California.
Congratulations and very best wishes are extended to Mr. and Mrs. Rhubur (Delores) Miller. You are a true inspiration and no one can steal your spotlight!
