Evelyn “Gail” Miller

She fought the good fight, she finished the race. Well done my good and faithful servant…come share your Masters joy.

Evelyn “Gail” Bordelon Miller passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 91 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA, surrounded by her devoted children after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Gail was born in Bunkie, Louisiana on July 21, 1934 where they enjoyed a beautiful life near family. This was during the Great Depression so they moved to Jena, then Lafayette & finally settled in Baton Rouge when she was a teenager where she graduated from Istrouma High School. The handsome young man next-door, Billy Miller, became the love of her life. Their families were always close, and she was like an older sister to his younger sisters. They married on August 27, 1955, shortly after she graduated from Our Lady of the Lake Nursing School. They moved to Houston so that Bill could finish Pharmacy school there while Gail worked as a registered nurse at the Children’s Hospital. They returned to Baton Rouge where they raised their 4 children until they decided to find “a place in the country” Dutchtown. Moving there in 1974 they became residents of Ascension parish & St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. They were active in their community and well loved.

While staying home to raise her children, she worked part time at a nursing home. Bill opened the original Dutchtown Pharmacy and Gail went to work at the Gillis W Long Hanson ‘s Disease Center in Carville,LA for 28 years. She had a deeply rewarding career and touched many lives there. During her time there Hanson’s disease became a treatable disease and she retired. Mama was a loving caregiver, not only in her careers as a nurse, but in every aspect of her life. She was instrumental in the Business and Professional Women’s Organization of Ascension Parish, BPW, where she met many wonderful lifelong friends, many that she worked with. As president. her BPW motto was “even thorns can have roses”. Emphasizing that struggles can bring us great joy & strength.

She cared for others in sickness & health and in times of great discomfort and stress. Bringing meals to families in stressful and busy situations became her ministry. Her delicious baked chicken with all the fixings, including dessert graced many of family’s table.

She loved sharing her gifts of cooking with her children and grandchildren, often making a science lesson out of preparing a meal. She had a great desire to see others deepen their faith and become all that God intended for them to be by encouraging success and balance in life. Many people received one of her favorite books” Success- the Glen Bland method”.

Her strength of character and her credible Catholic faith in our Lord. Jesus Christ was truly an inspiration and permeated all she did. She was an active member of St. John as a Eucharistic minister, Ladies Altar Society, Rosary group and many other activities.

She was a wonderful caring and thoughtful mother who deeply loved her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, parents, sister, in-laws and her many cousins and relatives. She always made a point to stay in touch. Their home “The Celebration House” was the site of so many birthday, holiday, family reunions, and monthly events for years.

In the twilight years her family lovingly cared for her at her home with the help of many wonderful caregivers we greatly appreciate especially Doris Matherne, Elnora Duplessis, Kathy Abadie, Jan Hearn, Nisha Matthews, Nanette Waguespack, Home Instead and St. Joseph Hospice. Special thanks to Deacon Mike and Chaplain Chester. We give a special thanks to Onaliese and other caregivers when she and her sister were at Sunrise at Siegen in her final days. She then received wonderful care at The Parc Senior Living in Gonzales and the Carpenter House.

Survived by her loving children, Michelle Freeman (Bill), William Miller III (Brenda), Madeline Sandridge (Brad), son-in-law, David Bell (Pamela); 8 grandchildren, Gregory (Alicia), Heather (Greg), Sean (Chloe), Matt (Samantha), Jamie (Nathan), Jessica, David and Holly; 10 great-grandchildren: Lily, Russell, Natalie, Jolie, Rorie, Maddox and Mackenzie, Mattie, Charlie and Brady; sister Delaine Gautreaux, and sisters-in-law, Robin Buskiewicz (Chris) , Mary Smith (Mike who passed away on the day after her), Joanie Miller & numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, William M. Miller Jr. (Bill); daughter, Lynette Miller Bell; and grandson, Ryan Freeman; parents, Lance and Evelyn Lacour Bell , William and Madeline Ludeau Miller; sister, Nell Bordelon; brother, Reverend Gerald Bordelon; brother in laws Bobby, Jimmy and Johnny Miller and several other family members.

Visitation will be at Ascension Funeral Home, 426 W. New River St., Gonzales, LA 70737, on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm with Rosary at 6pm . Visitation will continue Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 15208 LA 73 Prairieville, LA 70769, from 8:30 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Resthaven Garden of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

At Gail’s request please consider wearing bright and cheerful colors to her funeral as a way to celebrate a life well lived!

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.