Charlotte Atwater Miller, the wife of S. Douglas Miller, (affectionately known as “Dougie”) passed away Tuesday afternoon on October 24th, 2023 peacefully in the comforts of her home surrounded by family.
Charlotte was the type of person to always put herself last and made sure that everyone else had what they needed. She was generous and selfless. She was extremely well known in the tennis community and is in the Hall of Fame at Elizabethtown College, William and Mary, the Lancaster County Tennis Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania State Hall of Fame along with the Middle States tennis Hall of Fame. She also coached the Penn Manor girl’s tennis team for a number of years and she helped to create the first girls’ soccer team at Penn Manor.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years who took care of her until her last dying breath. She leaves behind 3 children; Heather Atwater Garcia, (wife of Carlos A. Garcia) Justin Howe Miller, (husband of Kaley Miller) and Travis Douglas Miller, (husband of Uly Miller.) She has also left behind two grandchildren; Naomi Garcia and Olivia Garcia (daughters of Heather and Carlos Garcia). She is forever grateful to her loving brother, Pierce Atwater III who often spent every Friday afternoon with her. We know she’s in Heaven playing tennis with her father Howe Atwater. She will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Alzheimer’s foundation and Hospice of Lancaster PA.
Manon Yeager says
My deepest condolences to the family. I did not know that she was such an avid tennis player and the role she played at Penn Manor. To Heather, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Manon
Linda and Gordie Groome says
Thinking of your family at this sad time. Charlotte was such a caring and giving person. She was always the first to remember our birthdays and anniversaries with beautiful cards. I always looked forward to those cards and missed getting them these last few years. And when Gordie had one of his many surgeries she always wanted to first know how I was doing and if she could help me before we discussed his recovery. Thinking of her in heaven playing tennis with her father makes me smile because I know she is happy.
Doug says
Thank you. She always cherished and enjoyed your friendship.
Fran Tomaselli says
I am very sorry to learn of Charlotte’s passing. I considered her a very fierce competitor on the court and a friend off the court . Please accept my condolences.
Doug says
Thank you
Steve Shapiro says
Very sad to hear about your loss
Sue and Jeff Rebert says
Jeff and I share your loss, Doug. Charlotte was an icon in the tennis world and you two were always so sweet to us. Our loving thoughts are with you and your family.
Doug Miller says
Thank you.
Randy Grove says
Dougie, you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Charlotte. May the days ahead bring you peace knowing that she is no longer suffering.
Bernita Stadler says
So sorry to hear of this. She had a life well-lived. Please accept my sincere condolences to the entire family: Rick & Michelle, Pierce & Elaine, Doug & her children, and all her nieces and nephews.
Berni Stadler
Dennis Dunkle says
A nicer kinder person you will never meet. Her tennis excellence was exceeded only by her gracious sportsmanship. So true she is up there hitting with her father again and never missing.
Doug says
Thanks Denny
Jennifer Goodling says
Thinking of all of you and truly thankful for all of the wonderful tennis experiences Char gave to me. Extraordinary is the word that best describes her
Doug says
Thanks Denny
Doug says
Thank you, Jenny
Christina Kobland says
Charlotte was my best friend in high school. Somehow we lost touch. I am saddened by the news of her passing. Never will I forgot the laughter we shared. Does anyone know from what she died? She worked so hard at staying healthy and fit.
Margaret Jackson Egli says
On behalf of the Jackson family we offer our deepest sympathy. We held Charlotte in the highest esteem. She was not only an amazing tennis player but also a warm and loving person. I am sure that she is hitting tennis balls with her father Howe and maybe with our father Rod Jackson. We are extending our love to your entire family.
Margaret, Emily and Jeff Jackson
Doug Miller says
Thank you.
Diane Dombach says
Charlotte was simply the best. From high school tennis thru Probation and Parole, I am honored to have known her. Peace to you, Charlotte. Diane D.
Bruce Mahaffey says
Very sorry for your loss. Charlotte was such a kind and wonderful person. Always had a big smile on her face. My heart goes out to your family. Yes, she is hitting with Howie once again!
Doug Miller says
Thank you.
Keith Mahaffey says
Our condolences to the entire Miller family. We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed talking to Charlotte at RCW, Millersville tennis matches, and at junior tournaments. She always had a smile on her face and was so happy to see us. She will be missed.
Keith and Abbie Mahaffey
Doug Miller says
Thank you.
Kathy & Jeff Kauffman says
We are so sad to see the news of dear Charlotte’s passing. We know she fought a hard fight. Our condolences to you, Doug, and your family. I had the privilege of knowing Charlotte a bit in the tennis world and those memories are so special.
Doug Miller says
Thank you
betty darrenkamp says
You could not find a nicer or kinder person than Charlotte. I first met Charlotte when my son and her son were in 1st grade together and she was such a sweet person. Thru the years I would see her occasionally at sporting events and she always had a smile on her face. Then she was my daughter’s tennis coach at Penn Manor for 4 years and my daughter absolutely loved her! Heaven certainly gained an angel with her passing and my condolences to all the family!
Doug Miller says
Thank you
Earl F Boots Jr says
Sending prayers n condolences to the Altwater Miller family/relatives. I was sorry to read about Charlotte passing. When we would C each other at RCW, she would often greet me with a big smile n ask me about how my tennis game was going. RIP Charlotte U will be missed by the tennis community.
Doug Miller says
Thank you
Debbe S Milliken says
Doug: I am so sorry to hear of Charlotte’s passing. She was a special person. I always enjoyed talking to her at the store and when I saw her at tennis matches. Her interest in both of my girls lives was touching. I am sure you and your family will miss her dearly. Please take care. Sincerely, Debbe Milliken
Doug Miller says
Debbe, thank you so much for your message. Charlotte always enjoyed following your girls tennis.
Dick and Judy Dyer says
Our prayers and condolences to Doug and family. We were so sad to read about Charlotte’s passing. We would often see her hitting at RCW, and she always smiled and said hello as we changed courts. She will be missed by everyone that knows her!
Doug Miller says
Thank you
Julie Spangler says
Heather and family, I was so surprised to see the passing of Charlotte. The picture of her in the paper was very appropriate. She was always lively and “on top of things”. I worked with her as a parent and as a coach. She was such a lovely and enthusiastic person and worked very hard with the tennis team.
May you find comfort in your many memories and know she is at peace.
Doug Miller says
Thank you.
Become Beazley says
Sending our deepest sympathy to Doug and family. Charlotte was always willing and wanting to hit, drill, and play tennis with us!!! We will miss her dearly!
Beckie and Dave Beazley
Doug Miller says
Thank you both.
Renee Gallagher says
Dear Doug and family,
Charlotte will be remembered by us for her kindness and and thoughtful notes. She was always quick with a smile and a story…and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her. Our sincere condolences.
Renée and Dan Gallagher
Doug Miller says
Thank you, Renee
LynnLong says
Dear Doug and family,
Michael and I send our heartfelt condolences to you at this difficult time. May Charlotte now rest in peace. And may the healing passage of time bring solace to you. You and your family are in our prayers.
Doug Miller says
Thank you both.
Cheryl Collins says
Dearest family of Charlotte,
What a lovely lady. She was so patient with me, so intelligent and caring. She helped me through a very difficult time, kept me playing tennis even when I though I was the worst tennis player ever! A shining star … so loving, I am lucky that I have some notes from her to cherish and remember –so much laughter, too.
She will be missed. I am sure she is making the most of all the best there is in heaven.
With Love,
Cheryl Collins – formerly Cheryl Lutz
Doug Miller says
Thank you. Cheryl!
Barry Solodky says
Doug and family,
I was saddened to read about the passing of Charlotte. I remember her fondly from our high school days. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Wayne Hoffman says
My sympathies to all of Charlotte’s family. I first met Charlotte when she was the tennis coach at Penn Manor. She always had a smile and kind words of encouragement for everyone. After retirement we often saw each other at Manor Twp. park while I was walking my dogs and she was out getting exercise. We oftened shared hello’s and conversation. I am blessed to have had her share a bit of life’s journey with me.
Peace and Blessings, Wayne Hoffman
Doug Miller says
Thank you Wayne
Tom Miller says
Oh my. What a loss, for Doug, family and community. She was such a positive spirit, giving encouragement to all.
Doug Miller says
Thanks Tom
Randy & Luisa Wise says
Although Randy and I never had the pleasure to know your sister, Pierce it sounds like she was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was lucky to have a loving devoted brother like you. You both sound like you came from a very athletic family which instilled hard work throughout your life both personally and professionally. We’re sorry for your loss and hope that you know you have many many friends and family to support and assist you with whatever you might need in your time of grief.
Diana D Stager says
Dear Doug and Family,
Charlotte was my first private tennis instructor. She taught me to keep the ball deep in the court and wait for the opportunity to advance to net and end the point. She, also, was my oldest daughter’s first private instructor. We were lucky to have the experience of knowing her.
Please accept our sincere condolences,
Diana and Jim Stager
Ingrid Ziedonis says
Dear Doug and Family,
Yes, Charlotte was a wonderful lady, wife, entrepreneur with you, Doug, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend, tennis coach, tennis player, and so much more! She was an amazing friend to many of us and we will treasure her unstoppable, competitive , encouraging spirit always. She taught me so many lessons on the court, most important to concentrate on every ball, on every point. She was a master at that! I am so grateful to have known her from the days at Township to the years at RCW. She could not have been kinder to all that she met. I felt like she was an angel on this earth, really. You all are a lucky family to have had her as your Mom and of course wife to Doug.
My sincerest condolences, Ingrid