Marian Joyce Miller died Oct. 25, 2024. She was born Nov. 18, 1935. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1959 from Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Va. By that time, she already had several years teaching experience, having begun her career in a one-room school with 16 students in eight grades near her home in Michigan. She also taught in New York and Virginia.
When her children were small, Marian started an upholstery business from her home, which she ran successfully for 15 years. She ended her working career at Goshen College’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, where she played a significant role in maintaining the bookstore and library, welcoming and hosting guests and building a culture of community that provided support for the staff. Her gift of creativity was exceptional. She did a variety of crafts, including quilting (about 50), basket weaving, crocheting and tatting. Homes, classrooms and office were always tastefully decorated, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Relationships with family, friends and neighbor were carefully nurtured with loving attention. Her loving, gentle spirit always showed through. She was loved and respected by all who knew her because they felt respected by her. She lived with a spirit of beauty that brought out the best in others. She was especially compassionate toward children who suffer. She supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Memorial gifts will be sent there in her name.
She is survived by her husband, Dave Miller; children, Regina Miller (Karen Molitor) of Milwaukee, Wis., Tim Miller (Heather) of New Paris, Ind., and Joanna Woolace, (Eric) of Goshen, Ind.; five grandchildren; a brother, Don Swartz of Hawaii; and a sister, Dee Swartz of Goshen, Ind. She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Lee (3 months); her parents, Orbie and Anita Swartz of AuGres, Mich.; a brother, Merlin Swartz; and a sister, Phyllis Lind.
