Marge Miller

Alma Marguerite "Marge" Miller, 98, of Rockford, Ohio, died at 4:30 a.m. on Monday morning, December 7, 2015. She was born on April 16, 1917, in Adams County, Indiana, the daughter of Lewis P. and Jessie (Butcher) Wendel. She was the oldest of 5 children: James, Pauline, Genevive, and Bob. She went to a one room school in Chattanooga and graduated from Willshire High School in 1934. She married Lester Frederick Miller at her parents' home on November 25, 1937, Thanksgiving Day. She and Lester continued to live in Chattanooga, where she was a homemaker and mother of their two sons, Larry and Rollie. On March 5, 2011, Lester preceded her in death. Her son Larry preceded her in death, as well as did her two brothers, James and Bob Wendell and her two sisters, Pauline Brudi and Genevieve Cecka. One grandchild, Kelli (Miller) Hicks also is deceased. She lived in Chattanooga since she was 3 and contributed to many groups over the years including the Rural Letter Carrier Auxiliary, of which she served as an officer , Farm Bureau Council, a charter member of Home Demonstration, and St. Paul's United Church of Christ Fellowship where she was a member of the church and also taught Sunday School for many years. She and Lester took a detour from country life during the late 1960's and early 70's and moved to Washington D.C. for 11 years. While there, Marge entertained family members and friends with private tours all over the city and corresponded with the many friends that she and Lester accumulated across the country. The two of them traveled extensively through the 50 states, Canada, Europe, and they also sailed through the Panama Canal, and to Alaska twice. After retiring, she and Lester enjoyed winters in Florida, Texas, and Arizona. Among Marge's many talents and hobbies was fashioning quilts and sewing; she carried on the family tradition of being an excellent cook, as well. She loved to spend hours writing and sending letters and cards to friends all over the United States. Surviving is one son: Rollie (Fran) Miller of Rockford; 1 sister-in-in law: Lois Miller (Celina); 4 grandchildren: Julia (John) Churan of Chandler, Arizona; Dr. Jill (John) Schaeffer, of Wooster, Ohio; John (Angela) Miller, of Upper Arlington, Ohio; and Brad (Melissa) Miller, of Tyler, Texas. Nine great grandchildren survive: Hannah and Brady Miller; Matthew and Maria Schaeffer; Ryan and Elena Miller; Justin and Jason Churan; and Staci Miller. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Oregon Rd., Rockford, with Pastor Catherine Costello officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Friday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to the church.