Gertie Goat

"Gertie Goat" began as a fun little project that had been hanging out on my cutting table for a few months when on a day that I should have been preparing for the upcoming local farmer's market weekends, I chose to play with Gertie. The pattern for her comes from Volume 8 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks.  She reminded me of the goat that had a patchwork face and named after me...

The whole idea was to send a fun little table topper or wall hanging to our friends (Jack and Jamie) that own the Lazy J Goat Farm in Seymour, Texas.  As Gertie showed off at the farmer's market weekends I participated in, she got lots of attention.  

And then some pictures of Jack's dad and his twin brother from their childhood showed up on facebook...

It was shortly after the appearance of these pictures that we heard the news of Mr. Miller's passing...

     Jackson Ormand “Jack” Miller, Jr., 77, of Bay City, formerly of Victoria, died Saturday, September 17, 2016, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s. He was born December 7, 1938 in Victoria, to the late Jack O. Miller and Ellen Braman Miller. He was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. He was a rancher, conscientious property owner and conservationist who was particularly interested with the improvement of the wildlife habitat of the ranches. Jack’s favorite place to be was “on the Miller Ranch west of the River.” 

     He is survived by his wife Zia Crowell Miller. They married January 27, 1962 in Louise, TX. He is also survived by sons Jackson O. Miller, III and his wife Jamie Becker of Seymour, TX and Daniel Carl Miller of Bay City; brother Stephen S. Miller and his husband Norman Miller of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Catherine Elizabeth Newell, Alicia Margaret Miller, Daniel Carl Miller, Jr., Sgt. Kerah Marlene Miller, United States Army and Jackson Ormand Miller, IV and four great-grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his twin brother Daniel Braman Miller. He retired after 35 years of employment with his cousin D.H. Braman, Jr. of Refugio.

     For the past four years, Jack has been respectfully care for by a dedicated staff and special loving care givers at the Matagorda Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He passed away peacefully with his wife of 54 years holding his hand.
In lieu of flowers, consider contributions to Christ Episcopal Church, or a charity of your interest. You might consider supporting Matagorda County Cattlemen and the beef producers by enjoying a good rib-eye steak.

It was then that I realized Gertie needed to be a memorial gift to Jack... I hope that you two (Jack & Jamie) enjoy Gertie and recall fond memories of your dad as you make some of your own on the Lazy J Goat Farm.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of loss. 

Much love and blessings,

Melva