Ellwyn R. Miller

Ellwyn Reed Miller, 76, of Putney, Vermont, died at home on October 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. A memorial gathering will be held at a place and time to be determined. Known by most as Reed, he was born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on June 24, 1949, to the late Ellwyn E Miller and Beverly (Hubbard) Miller. He attended Putney Central School, graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1968, and was certified as a diesel mechanic by Bailey Technical Institute in St. Louis, MO, in 1970. Reed married the love of his life, Kathleen Eden, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Brattleboro on December 21, 1974, and would often jokingly point out that it occurred on the “darkest day of the year”. They built their home in East Putney and lived there for the entirety of their 51-year marriage. Reed took his role as father very seriously. He worked hard to afford his children every opportunity. He was always on hand to fix a car, tie a knot, dole out advice, and share his immeasurable practical knowledge.

He will be remembered for the dry humor he shared with his father and brothers. His children learned quickly not to eat what he offered if he had that twinkle in his eye. He liked nothing better than reminiscing around the table about the trouble he used to get into in his younger days. He was an avid outdoorsman in his youth. He was the well-respected leader of Boy Scout Troop 421 in Putney during the years that his sons were active in scouting. During his tenure as scout leader, 5 boys made the rank of Eagle Scout, which no scouts from the troop had achieved since 1962. As a steadfast Vermonter who never wanted to leave his home state, he still thoroughly enjoyed the two cross-country camping trips that he and Kathy took in 2005 and 2008 to see many of this nation's beautiful national parks.

He had a strong work ethic and ran heavy equipment for Ellis Derrig and Bob Gouin, then drove trucks for Putney Paper and Brattleboro Haulage. He was most fulfilled by starting a vegetable farm with his daughter, Marisa, in 2011 after he retired from driving. He is survived by his wife Kathy and their 5 children; Zac and his wife Mandy, Ben, Marisa, Chris, Emily and her husband Alex, 2 grandchildren; Jakob and Ellie, his brothers; Richard, David, John and his wife Deb, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his brother Mark, his sister Martha, and his sisters-in-law Irene and Lori. Kathy would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Szot, Phaedra McDonough, APRN, Dr. Ellis, Agnes Mikijaniec, NP, and the incredible folks at Bayada Hospice for their care at the end of Reed’s life as he lost his battle with heart disease. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Reed’s honor to the Bayada Foundation, 1222 Putney Rd, Suite 107, Brattleboro, VT 05301.