Barbara Ellen Miller
Barbara Ellen Miller, 87, Milford, passed away July 21, 2021.
What is the measure of a good life? For her, it was measured in simple faith, love of family, and service to others. She devoted her life to making sure no one went without a kind word, a bite to eat, and a place to rest.
Barbara had two great loves of her life. The first was her Lord Jesus Christ. Her faith in his love and goodness never wavered. If her faith could be summed up in a song, it would be, “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!” Her second great love was her husband, Paul, and the family they created together. What a love story these two sweethearts share. They met when they were 12 and were married just seven years later on 11/15/1952. They spent 68 years together, building a legacy of faith in God and faithfulness to each other. Paul is forever her Shatzi. She was happiest when they were together, surrounded by their children and grandchildren.
Paul and Barbara lived in their farmhouse in Milford for over 50 years. Barbara kept immaculate vegetable and flower gardens. In the summers, there were always green beans to be snapped and tomatoes to be stewed. Her canned vegetables were legendary. Her house often smelled of the mint tea drying in the spare room and the remnants of roast beef, potatoes, and carrots from Sunday’s dinner. Her cookie jar was never empty, and there were always plenty of chairs at her welcoming table. May we take up her gift of abundant hospitality and always make space at our own tables for those around us.
Barbara leaves behind her husband Paul Miller; her brother, John Henry (Betty) Hershberger; her sister, Sarah (Raymond) Rubenstein; a son, Rodney (Diana) Miller; two daughters: Crystal (Ralph) McCoy, Robin Vang; and a bonus daughter, Karen (Rob) Baker, all beloved to her. Her grandchildren were the delight of her heart: Jeff (Stacy) Miller, Jody (Rob) Fasnacht, Jamie (Court) Bitting, Josh (Lana) McCoy, Travis (Tabitha) McCoy, Lesley (Brian) Fortriede, Jennifer Vang, Jesse Miller, Paul Vang, Heather Martin, Shelley (Steve) Jackson, Ashley (Tony) Troyer, and Blake (Katie) Moore. She also has 33 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren whom she counted as gifts from God.
Those who proceeded her were her parents, Christian and Othny Hershberger; her siblings Keturah (Isaac) Miller, Martin (Dorothy) Hershberger, Ernie (Joann) Hershberger, and Melvin (Alice) Hershberger; her granddaughter Erica; her great-granddaughters Mikayla and Mackenzie, and grandbabies who took their first breaths in Jesus’ arms.
Family and friends may call from 5-8 p.m., Saturday, July 24, and for one hour prior to the 2 p.m. funeral service, Sunday, July 25, all at NorthWood Chapel, Nappanee. Reverend Todd Willman will officiate and burial will take place at South Union Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to NorthWood Chapel Missionary Fund.