Obituary: Martha Hale Sutton Miller, 95, Of Chevy Chase

BETHESDA, MD — Martha Hale Sutton Miller, a faithful churchgoer and former pianist from Montgomery County, passed away on May 6, 2019 surrounded by family. She was 95.

Born in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 22, 1924, Martha was the daughter of the late Harold Griffith Sutton and Sarah Priscilla Hale and was raised in Chevy Chase, where she graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.

After graduating from Mount Vernon Junior College, Martha planted roots in Washington, D.C., where she worked for a British real estate company. It was during this time that she met her husband, the late Frederick (Ted) Hotchkiss Miller. The couple got married at The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church in D.C. on May 9, 1953.

Martha was a highly skilled pianist and played for Madame Dmitrieff, a sought-after piano teacher in the D.C. area. When given the choice to pursue a professional music career or to marry and start a family, Martha chose the latter. Still, music remained a big part of her life.

She had a special fondness for the music of Frank Sinatra, Bing Cosby, and Leonard Bernstein. Her home was frequently filled with music and love.

Martha and Ted ultimately settled in Upper St. Clair, a township about 10 miles south from Pittsburgh. They built their first home in 1961 and had four children: Rick, Pam, Martha, and Susan.

In September of 1965, Martha suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on the left side of her
body. Despite this setback, Martha refused to give up. Those who loved her said she fought hard to keep her independence and looked to God for strength, compassion, and hope.

She ended up driving her car well into her 70s. Her grandchildren still recall the excitement they felt every time her gray sedan pulled up to their home.

Martha is survived by her four children, 14 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and many friends and neighbors.