RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Joye Cecilia Miller age 83, of County Highway # 25, passed away unexpectedly onTuesday January 7, 2013 in Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown.She had the support and comfort of her loving family at her side.Joye was born on May 1, 1930 in Angola, Africa where her parents Cornelius and Olive Bettel Pontier were Christian missionaries.Her early education was in Angola and later she graduated from Hampden DuBose Academy in FL.She furthered her education at Bob Jones University where she received an Associates degree.On April 15, 1952 she was united in marriage to Alfred J. Miller in Clifton, NJ. They moved to Richfield Springs in 1969 coming from Haledon, NJ.For fifteen years Mrs. Miller worked as a sales clerk for Rubys/Frohnes Ladies Store and later Rubys/Ricks Mens Clothing Store in Richfield Springs until its closing. She continued to be active in her church serving on many committees. Joye had a strong faith in God and was a charter member of the Richfield Springs Bible Church where she became dedicated leader in youth ministry. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, and watching and feeding songbirds. Those who knew her will remember her strong and independent spirit, her compassion for animals and befriending stray cats and dogs, and her deep love for her family.She and Al were frequently seen at the local coffee shops and eateries in Richfield Springs. Surviving are her devoted husband of sixty-one years Alfred, three sons, Alfred Miller Jr. and his wife Marianne of Jordanville, Paul Miller and his wife Betty Lou of Jacksonville, FL, James Miller of Richfield Springs, and two daughters, Karen Watson and her husband Bruce, and Lois Miller all of Richfield Springs, She is also survived by six grandsons Michael Miller, Brian and Mark Watson; and Richard, Stephen, and Neil Miller, along with three great grandchildren, a niece, Nancy Greco and two nephews Ron and Bob Woudenberg.Her parents and her sister, Dorothy J. Woudenberg, preceded her in death. The family will be present to greet friends and family from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM on Saturday, January 11 at Richfield Springs Bible Church, 17 Church St. Richfield Springs.Funeral services for Mrs. Miller will follow at 3:00 pm at the Richfield Springs Bible Church with the Reverend David Tosi officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Richfield Springs Bible Church Youth Ministry Fund or the Richfield Springs Emergency Rescue Squad.Envelopes will be available at the church service. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.