Althea Frances Miller

Born in Sacramento, California to vaudeville parents who were known on the circuit as "Panthea and Aleko", Althea Miller had traveled the world by the young age of 6 years old. She was exposed to exotic lands, unique cultures and watched her parents perform in the most popular and prestigious venues of that era… and thus her love for travel and foreign lands began. After her father suffered a heart attack, her parents settled in the show business hub, Los Angeles and Althea proceeded to attend private school and John Francis Polytechnic High School in Los Angeles. It was during these high school years that Althea became active in student government, drama and debate. She placed 1st in the Lion's Club and Herald Examiner Oratorical contests. This recognition won her a college scholarship to USC with a major in Journalism and minor in Radio/Television. It was also during these high school years that Althea met her sweetheart and soul mate, Jimmy Miller and married in 1957.

In college, Althea pledged the Delta Zeta sorority and thus began her life long enthusiasm for volunteer work and community involvement. After college, Althea continued being active in her sorority by joining the Delta Zeta Alumnae group where she worked her way through numerous offices leading to Chairmanship. She served as Alumnae Chairman of both the South Bay and Long Beach chapters and was Province Alumnae Director of Province 15 which included the territories of Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California and Hawaii. In addition, Althea chaired several major charity events raising thousands of dollars for the sorority's philanthropy, the House Ear Institute specializing in research for the hearing impaired.

Althea and Jimmy, moved to Los Alamitos in 1965 with their two daughters, Pamela and Anthea. In the early years in Los Alamitos, Althea's time and attention was focused on raising her daughters and being very involved in Brownie's, Girl Scouts and Cadets. However, once the girls were out from under her wings, she had the new found freedom to pursue her interests again… and that she did.

Althea became involved in the Los Alamitos city government and was appointed to the Fine Arts Cultural Affairs Commission. As a result of this association, it was suggested that she become involved in the newly forming Los Alamitos Cable Television station, LATV. She jumped on this opportunity, and completed the classes that were offered. Following a trip to Australia that year with her husband, the station manager suggested that a new show was needed and "Traveling With Althea" was developed and added to the new line up. For over 20 years "Traveling With Althea" has been broadcast on numerous cable stations, and many guests from Consul Generals to Press Secretaries, both in studio and on location, have been seen on her program. Althea served on the LATV Board of Directors for 22 years, having served twice as Chairman, along with Financial Manager and Secretary on several occasions.

Althea's love for her "home town of Los Alamitos" is witnessed in the numerous activities, groups and projects that she has been involved with in the city. She has been an integral member of the Los Alamitos Historical Museum, serving as President of the museum, Chairman of the Centineal Celebration, and dedicated docent. Her passion for preserving the history and culture of Los Alamitos is seen in her dedication to the museum.

Her involvement in promoting the city and charity continued in other areas. She helped to raise substantial donations through the Quarter Horse Charity Foundation at the Los Alamitos Race Track with all proceeds benefiting numerous local charities. She was a member of the Los Alamitos/Rossmoor Republican Women and Friends of the Library. While serving on the Fine Arts Commission, she was instrumental in organizing Band In The Park and bringing the event to LATV.

Althea leaves behind a family who loves her deeply… Daughters Pamela Wood and Anthea Bramlett; Grandchildren Lara Hruska and Matthew Wood; Son in law Phil Hruska; Great grandchildren Zachary and Dakota Hruska; and of course her beloved Golden's Tessa and Blossom.