Lizzie (Yoder) Miller 98, of Walnut Creek, Ohio, passed away at the Walnut Hills Nursing Home Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, after a period of declining health.
She was born May 11, 1926, to the late Abraham B. and Anna (Miller) Yoder. On May 8, 1976, she married Yost H. Miller who preceded her in death Feb. 23, 2009.
Before age 50 Lizzie Yoder already had a life of service to others, in cleaning, sewing, and cashiering. She was long known for expertise in quilting; it was her highest art and added to her place in her world.
She traveled. Whether it was Germany’s Oberammergau Passion Play or the Holy Land vision of a tender Jesus at the tomb, she made precious memories with likeminded friends.
But nearing age 50 Lizzie Yoder suddenly became Lizzie Miller. New hats were thrust upon her. She was now a Fellowship Church bishop’s wife in a new community, church, and family.
That is a lot for an introvert; nonetheless she entered gracefully into complicated new roles. And later, when she and Yost downsized to Berlin, she did the same, forging deep and enduring friendships with new neighbors there.
Finally, after Yost’s death she found herself quilting her perfect stitches with old friends and new acquaintances in Sarasota, Florida. And later, in Ohio at Walnut Hills her contemplative, prayerful temperament bolstered her in the faith she had been taught way back in Plain City, Ohio
She is survived by her stepchildren: Nelson D. (Sara) Miller of Berlin, Clarence (Lois) Miller of Berlin, Ellis (Rita) Miller of Dalton, Phil (Paula) Miller of Millersburg, Priscilla (Harold) Yoder of London, Ohio; stepson-in-law: Floyd (Charlene) Helmuth of Kalona; 21 step-grandchildren; and 44 step-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and her husband Yost, she was preceded in death by her stepdaughter: Esther Helmuth; siblings: Henry (Lydia Ann) Yoder, Levi (Emma) Yoder, Katie (Jonas) Kurtz, John (Arie Mae) Yoder; half-siblings: Lydiann (John) Troyer, Benjamin (Amanda) Yoder, Louella (Jonas) Borntrager, Emma Yoder and Abraham (Susan) Yoder.
Funeral services will be held at Sharon Mennonite Church, 1717 CR 140, Sugarcreek, on Sunday, September 1, at 10:00 AM with Pastor Bill Mullet officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethel Fellowship Cemetery. Friends may call at Sharon Mennonite Church from 4-7 PM on Saturday.
A special thank you to the staff at Walnut Hills for the care you provided and to Crossroads Hospice for all your support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Crossroads Hospice, 10810 E. 45th St, Suite 300, Tulsa, OK 74146.
