SLIPPERY ROCK - For years, Billie Miller told students at Slippery Rock High School they are loved.

On Thursday, some of those students were able to repay his sentiment in the form of a handmade quilt. Stitched on the blanket was a patch that read, "One who sleeps under a quilt is comforted by love."

Miller, of Butler, was a substitute teacher at the high school for several years before retiring last year due to health reasons. Students called him one of their favorites, citing his genuine caring nature and his interesting war stories. Miller is a World War II veteran.

That's why students in Eva Brenneman's quilting classes chose Miller this year as the recipient of their donated quilt. Usually the students make a baby quilt to donate to a women's shelter, but this year's classes suggested Miller instead.

"He's just such a nice person," said Brenneman. "He'd go out of his way for these students."

Each of the 18 students took a patch from each of their personal quilts and stitched them together for Miller. The colorful throw is made of 315 3-inch squares of material and a border. Students spent the past week quilting the blanket and putting the finishing touches on it.

Several students brought the quilt to his house Thursday afternoon and surprised him with the gift.

Tori Hemphill and Melissa Hildebrandt, seniors and quilt class members, agreed they couldn't wait to present the quilt to Miller.

Since Hemphill was a freshman, she's been hearing Miller's war stories and looking forward to getting him as a substitute. Hemphill said she's glad the project was made for Miller because he always made students feel "highly appreciated."

"He tells us all stories and tells us how much he loves us," said Hemphill. "His whole objective was not to preach to us but would always tell us he cared."

Younger students in the high school don't always understand why the older students miss him, she said.

Hildebrandt called Miller sweet and sincere.

"He loves us," she said.

A year ago, students at the school and community members raised $3,500 for Miller to travel to Washington, D.C. The money paid for a trip to the newly dedicated World War II Memorial. He missed the dedication of the monument because of health and financial reasons.

The trip allowed Miller and his wife, Zella, to travel in style, including a limousine ride from the couple's home in Butler to Pittsburgh International Airport; three nights at the five-star Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C.; a tour of the city, including the White House; and a visit to the memorial.