Memories and Condolences for Theresa Miles

It is with sad hearts we bid farewell to Theresa (“Myrt”) R. Miles, who passed away on Monday, August 1, 2023, after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer.  At a time when public education has been under siege, Theresa stood out historically as a champion of public education from the start of her career.  She began her career in Wausau in 1973, teaching at GD Jones before moving to Rib Mountain Elementary. At Rib, she taught first grade for 30 years.  She also became the “literacy coordinator” in the WSD, coaching other teachers in the district. Numerous students and staff, along with parents and community leaders, have spoken to the positive influence she had on their learning and lives. Theresa coached girls’ tennis at Wausau West High School for ten years influencing many young women to compete in sports, while she also ran an after-school tennis program for kids at Rib Mountain elementary.  Her love of tennis almost matched her love of teaching. Through both activities she changed lives for the better.

After retiring in 2007, Theresa was elected to the Wausau School Board, serving for 10 years. Her goal was to always try to create excellent programs for students in the district and sustain a positive environment for staff in spite of the restrictive nature of Act 10.
Theresa, along with her husband, Scott, have contributed so much to our community making it a better place to live and work.  They both have been lifelong progressives who worked to make a better life for all.

Theresa is survived by her husband of 52 years, Scott, and two children, Andy (Sarah Prather) and Anne Hanson. Forever a loving teacher and grandmother, she adored her four grandchildren, Jordan, Camryn, Hannah, and Zoe. She will be deeply missed by many. May she rest in peace, while also, always being celebrated for all she has done.

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