Deborah Salanco Miller, of Loveland, Colorado, a native of the Mohawk Valley in Central New York, passed away on April 15, 2026, in The Villages, Florida, at the age of 72. She was born on June 29, 1953, in Herkimer, New York, to Alex Salanco and Helen Ilnitzky Salanco.

Deborah was a loving, caring, and vibrant soul who embraced life to the absolute fullest. She was the heart and matriarch of her family, a steady source of strength, warmth, and love to all who knew her. Her kindness, laughter, and lively spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and treasured time spent with family, cooking for those she loved, singing with happiness in her heart, and expressing herself through poetry. Deborah had a special way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for, always putting her family and loved ones first.

Throughout her life, Deborah worked at Little Lambs Preschool, where she touched the lives of many children and families, served as a dispatcher, and worked in banking with dedication and care.

She is survived by her beloved husband of over 50 years, BJ Miller, with whom she shared a true and enduring love, along with a lifetime of adventures and treasured memories. They were each other’s rock, purpose, and North Star. BJ always loved how Deb kept him on his toes with her spunky attitude and quick witted nature. Deb is also survived by her son, Michael Miller, and daughter-in-law, Sarah Miller; her daughter, Molly Miller; her cherished grandchildren, Aiden Griggs, Megan Griggs, Reece Griggs, and James Miller; her siblings, Barbara Klein and Al Salanco; her sisters-in-law, Linda Miller and Faye Smalley, who were not only family but lifelong friends and as close as blood sisters; and many extended family members and dear friends who loved her deeply.

Deborah’s legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Service details for Deborah will be announced at a later date. The family gathered privately to bid final farewell in Ocala, FL. Arrangements are being handled by Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society/Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services of Ocala, FL.