Michal (Doxey) Cottrell Miller

Michal Doxey Cottrell Miller

January 13, 1944 ~ May 15, 2025

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Michal Doxey Cottrell Miller, age 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in American Fork, Utah.

Michal was born on January 13, 1944, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the firstborn child of William Doxey and Elithe Winegar Doxey. On December 21, 1962, she married Warren Raleigh Cottrell in the Manti, Utah LDS Temple. He preceded her in death in 1977. Later, she found companionship and joy with her husband, Gary Lee Miller, with whom she shared many loving years. They married on October 26, 1996.

As the eldest of ten siblings, Michal carried a deep sense of responsibility and love for her family. She is survived by Sharlee Doxey, Mark (Debbie) Doxey, Kristine (Rick) Kiholm, Gretel Doxey, MaryAnn (Carl) Shoff, Jonathan Doxey, Jared (Jena) Doxey, and Molly (David) Dean. She was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Doxey Rogers, and her parents, Bill and Elithe.

Her legacy is deeply rooted in her family. She is survived by children and stepchildren: Timothy (SanDee), Matthew (Lisa), Elizabeth (Chris), Jennifer, Steven (Marnie), Joseph (Megan), Jonathan (Kerry), Brian (Sarah), Crystal (Craig), Trina (Red), Steven (Sue), Roy, Bonnie (Josh), Jonathan (Julie), and Christopher (Leigh Ann); along with 49 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her stepson, Benjamin Lee Miller, and great-grandson, Holden Keith Cottrell.

Early in life, Michal was vibrant and full of life—participating in drill team, attending modeling school, and earning the title of Miss Britannica 1961. She later founded and operated her own business, Michal’s Perfect Touch, blending her entrepreneurial spirit with her artistic eye. Her heirloom handkerchiefs are treasured by many all over the world. 

Michal and Gary were a devoted team. They volunteered at the 2002 Winter Olympics and served several missions together. Among their most cherished were summers at Seneca Lake Girls’ Camp, service in the Palmyra Temple, and their time in the Niagara Falls Ward of the Rochester New York Mission.

Michal’s life was a testament to quiet strength and enduring faith. Widowed young, with eight children to raise, she moved forward with grace and determination. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 40, she endured a lifetime of health challenges yet always met them with resilience and gratitude. Her family and friends recognized the miracle of her long life.

Known for her radiant smile and gentle heart, Michal made all who knew her feel deeply loved and understood. She lived her faith daily and left behind a legacy of courage, kindness, and unwavering devotion.

She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Gary and family would like to sincerely thank Symbii Hospice team for their loving care during Michal’s final months. They made an impactful difference to the entire family and they are appreciated.

Please join us in a celebration and reflection of Michal’s life to be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:00 am at the American Fork 43rd Ward Chapel, located at 240 South Center Street, American Fork, Utah 84003.  Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the American Fork 43rd Ward Chapel and also at additional viewing on Friday morning from 9:00-9:45 am prior to services at the church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michal (Doxey) Cottrell Miller, please visit our floral store.