Cindy Coates Miller

Cindy Coates Miller of Little Rock passed away suddenly on July 12, 2013 in Ludington, Michigan from complications of infection. Cindy will be remembered as a gracious, energetic, and successful lady devoted to her family, church, friends, community and the state. Cindy was born in Little Rock on June 9, 1950 to Marian Davis Goff and the late Jim Coates. She was educated in the Little Rock public school system, graduating from Hall High School in 1968. She continued her education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she graduated in 1972. Her family has been a prominent family of Arkansas for several generations and a lifelong source of pride and devotion for Cindy. Cindy is survived by her best friend and husband, Pat; her mother, Marian Goff; her son, Mat Miller; her daughter, Marian Steward (Eric); and her grandchildren, Alex Miller, Miller Steward, and Marian Elizabeth Steward all of Little Rock. She is also survived by her brother, Jamie Coates (Chris) and their sons Jay and Tait (Katie); and her sister, Robin Look (David) and their three children, Kate, Rob, and Wilson, all of Dallas, Texas. Other survivors include the Bob Goff, Ricky Goff, and Wally Allen families. Cindy will best be remembered as a wonderful mother, daughter, family person, an active community volunteer, philanthropist, dedicated hard worker, energetic, generous, a church leader and advocate for charities and all things right. Her love for life, family, community, church, state and nation was incomparable. She loved her Pi Beta Phi sisters, Epworth Heights, entertaining, volunteering, her computer games, the beach, helping others, everyone's birthdays, and the color pink. She loved angels and was considered by all as one herself. Her smile was bright, warm and always comforting. President Bill Clinton recently commented that Cindy's smile and energy would "light up any room that she was in". Cindy was a devoted advocate for non-profit organizations, including her service for over twenty years in Arkansas as the representative of the prestigious Sturgis Education Charitable Trust; Cindy transformed her community and state with financial resources for educational purposes to large and small non-profit organizations, medical facilities, state colleges and universities, and any other volunteer organizations that she was able to assist. Over that time, Cindy was responsible for grants exceeding $60 million dollars, including the Sturgis Fellowship at her alma mater, the University of Arkansas and lead gifts to the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Library. The "Sturgis" Foundation name is on dozens of buildings throughout the state, all of which are a direct result of Cindy's hard work and devotion. As an advocate for community volunteering, Cindy was also very active with her services to the Junior League of Little Rock, serving as president in 1985-1986 following in the footsteps of Marian, her mother, who was president in 1967-68. Cindy was also honored as the Sustainer of the Year and served in many capacities in her many years of service to the Junior League. Cindy volunteered and served in many roles, including chairman of Tabriz at the Arts Center. She also chaired or served on many boards, including the YMCA, City Beautiful Commission, Little Rock Wastewater, Heart Association, Future Little Rock, Special Olympics, Catholic High and Mount Saint Mary Booster Clubs, Forest Park PTA, the Boys Club Auxiliary and many other worthwhile causes. Her parents were active in the founding of her church, St. Mark's Episcopal, where she served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Vestry. She enjoyed every moment with her many friends and Christ Care groups there. Cindy also worked in the state judiciary at the Arkansas Court of Appeals beginning in 1996, where she proudly served as Administrator for Chief Judge John Stroud, Jr., as well as Judge David M. Glover. She would often proudly proclaim, "I love my job!!!" Everyone will sadly miss her contagious smile, helpful personality, compassion, intelligence and energy. Her family sincerely expresses appreciation to all for the reflections of kindness and support. To continue Cindy's legacy, please send all memorials to St. Mark's Episcopal Church Foundation, 1000 North Mississippi, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205. Visitation will be Sunday, July 21st, at Ruebel Funeral Home from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. A memorial service and reception will be held at 11 a.m., Monday July 22nd, at Trinity Cathedral, 310 W. 17th Street in Little Rock. Arrangements under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.