WALES—A couple who decided American Fork was getting too big and moved to Wales before the birth of their last child will be honored as grand marshals of Welsh Days this week.
The designation will go to Raymond H. and Dorothy Anderson Miller, who have lived in and served the community since 1983.
Raymond was born in 1945 in American Fork, where he spent his childhood. From 1964-1966, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Southwest Mission. After returning home, Raymond attended BYU, where he met Dorothy.
Dorothy Anderson was born in 1947 in Salt Lake City Utah but grew up mainly in Phoenix until she left to attend BYU in 1966. She majored in chemical engineering.
Raymond and Dorothy met in January 1967 at a BYU dance. They were married that August in the Mesa, Arizona temple. They lived in Alpine in Utah County for a short time before moving to American Fork, where they lived for about 15 years.
While living in American Fork, the couple had five of their six children. Dorothy spent most of her time raising the kids while Raymond worked several different jobs and finished his master’s degree in public administration. He ultimately started working for the State of Utah.
The couple felt American Fork was getting too big, so in 1983 Raymond asked for a transfer to the Ephraim office of Job Service.
They had always enjoyed hunting and camping in the Sanpete County area. They found some property in Wales and moved to the south end of town. A year and a half later they welcomed their final child.
Raymond continued to work for the state until his retirement with 40 years of service. When the oldest two boys decided to serve LDS missions, Dorothy worked to provide financial support for them. She worked at a few different places including the Ben Franklin store in Ephraim, Sperry Univac and Crystal Specialties.
After Raymond’s retirement and when all the children were grown, Raymond and Dorothy served an LDS senior couples’ mission. They served from 2008 to 2010 in the Cape Town South Africa Mission as Perpetual Education Fund specialists.
After returning home, the couple worked in the Manti Temple for almost 10 years until the temple shut down for renovation last year.
Raymond and Dorothy have enjoyed their time in Wales. Each of them was on the town council for four years.
While Dorothy was on the council, she helped to get the first sprinkler system put in at the park. She also helped start Welsh Days up again after it had stopped for several years Welsh Days has been going ever since.
Raymond had been on the council for two years when the mayor moved, and he was appointed as mayor for two years. During that time, he helped bring natural gas to Wales. He also worked to get funding for a new water tank for the town.
Dorothy loves quilting and playing the piano, and is in a bowling league. Raymond enjoys hiking in mountains and canyons, gardening, and is a member of a horseshoe league.
The couple enjoys traveling together, spending time with their family and serving in their church. Raymond has spent much of his time with the Boy Scouts, while Dorothy has used her musical talents in several callings.
Raymond and Dorothy have been married for almost 55 years and are the parents of six “extraordinary” children. They say they have 21 of the best grandchildren in the world and four super adorable great-grandchildren. They try to spend as much time with their family as possible.
