Debra J Millward

October 9, 1954 - March 25, 2018

Debra J. Millward (Debbie) passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018 from breast cancer. The best way to understand Debbie is as a bee because of her loyalty, attention to detail, love for plants and flowers, and strong work ethic. Born in the Beehive State, at American Fork Hospital on October 9, 1954, she was the daughter of Jacqueline Johnson and the late Milton LDean Johnson. Debbie never flew too far from the hive. Raised in Kearns, she moved to Orem in her senior year of high school where she graduated from Orem High. Later she went on to graduate from LDS Business College with a degree in Accounting. During her adult life, she primarily lived in Salt Lake City but lived for the last 20 months of her life with her sister, Carol, in Orem, Utah. Debbie married Don Miller in 1975. The following year she was thrilled to receive the best Christmas present ever, the birth of their son, Shane Don Miller. Debbie and Don divorced and she later married Arlen Millward with whom she was ecstatic to have another beautiful child, this time a girl, Alisa Mae Millward. Debby was a worker bee. Debbie did the best she could to support her kids, often by working two jobs. She’d often say, “I don’t mind working hard, but I gotta have my music!” Debbie loved to buzz around her kids and grandkids, showering them with her love. Even as adults, Debbie helped her kids and grandkids in any way possible, whether it was cooking a meal, cleaning the house, or babysitting. One of Debbie’s favorite phrases was, “I love you, totally to the max!” and she meant it every time. Debbie adored plants and flowers. Debbie’s faith in Jesus Christ was her wings in life. She knew that with Jesus Christ by her side she could surmount any earthy challenge, even cancer, and remained faithful to the end of her days. Thank you, Debbie, for making this earthly garden a more happy, alive, and loving place. Farewell little bee, your work here is done. Soar off toward that eternal garden and everlasting sun in the sky. We, the rest of your hive, will miss you terribly. Until we see you again, from our deepest and most sincere hearts we chorus, “Debbie, we love you, totally to the max!” She is survived by her son, Shane D. Miller (Landrie) and Alisa Mae Snarr, and five grandchildren; Kasondra, Jesse, Eva, Dax and her newest grandson, and Cruz, born the day after she died. Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 2nd, at 11:00 am, at the Timpview 5th Ward, 865 West 1000 North, Orem, Utah, where a Viewing will be held prior to services from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.