Merlita Alvenda Miller, 71, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Merlita was born on August 7, 1954, in Olangapo City, Philippines. She later immigrated to the United States, where she spent most of her life in Midland, before moving to Hemphill to be closer to the family she loved so dearly. Just days shy of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Merlita shared a lifetime of love with her devoted husband, Steve Miller. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and family, devoting their lives to their only son, Orlando who she called “Akong” meaning ‘my son’ in Tagalog and all those they loved most.

After working for several years following her arrival in the United States, Merlita found her greatest joy in being a homemaker. She lovingly found peace tending to her beautiful garden, and was rarely seen without her beloved dog, Bella, faithfully at her side. Bella was one of many pets she had, she could never pass up an opportunity to take in, love and care for a pup or dog. She had a spontaneous spirit and never passed up the chance to browse the stores for a good find or take an impromptu road trip with her beloved husband, Steve. She and her sisters enjoyed a quick road trip together too, gratefully she fulfilled a trip with all sisters together one last time recently. Her and her sisters enjoyed karaoke together and she loved Freddy Fender’s music mostly. She always showed up for the people she cared about in more ways than one, offering unwavering love, encouragement, and support whenever it was needed.

Anyone who knew Merlita will remember her contagious laugh. It was genuine, joyful, and impossible not to smile along with. Her playful sense of humor, warm heart, and generous spirit made people feel welcome wherever she went. She had a gift for finding joy in everyday moments and creating lasting memories with the people she loved. She loved her grandchildren greatly, she adored seeing them, constantly bringing gifts, slipping cash anything to spoil them. Merlita would greet her grandchildren with “Hey Bebe”, that was her trademark phrase. She’d make late night calls to her oldest granddaughter Paulina during Paulina’s college nights, checking in on her and getting to know all her colleagues. It was just like her to be the star of the show! Kaylee and Emmy’s friends would be so excited to see her during holidays or get togethers, she absolutely stole these kids' hearts. She truly kept us all entertained with her laughter, love, and humor.

Merlita is survived by her loving husband of nearly 50 years, Steve Miller; her beloved son, Orlando Alvenda, and wife, Neomi Alvenda, of Midland; cherished granddaughters, Paulina (“Lina”) Gonzalez, husband, Adrian Gonzalez, and their son her great grandson Jayden Gonzalez of Houston; Kaylee Malaga and husband, Cristian Malaga, of Zephyrhills, Florida; granddaughter, Emmy Blowe, of Midland, ; and sisters, Letty Bass, of Hemphill, and Elvina Elias, of National City, California. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Connie Gibson, and her mother, Florencia Lopez.

While each sister lived a life uniquely her own, they shared an unbreakable bond rooted in love, family, and countless cherished memories. It is a fitting tribute that Merlita and Connie are honored together, celebrating not only the lives they lived but also the love they shared as sisters. Their memories will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved them.

A joint Funeral Mass celebrating the lives of Merlita Miller and Connie Gibson will be held at St. Pius Catholic Church in Hemphill, Texas. The date, time, and additional service details will be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Merlita.

John 14:1-2 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”