Doris H. Miller

Doris H. Miller, 100, North Manchester, passed away April 12, 2021, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester. Doris was born in “Tornado Alley”, Cushing, Okla., Sept. 4, 1920, to the late Henry H. and Minnie Bell (Fillmore) Holderread. Born into a large family of six sisters and four brothers, there was always someone to play with.

At an early age, Doris showed a deep passion for music. She was in the Glee Club at Cushing High School where she graduated in 1938 and then went on to Manchester College, where she was in A Capella Choir. She also went to Bethany Training School 1939-40, Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. 1940-41, and Ohio State University 1943-44.

Doris met her husband David Miller when she attended Bethany Training School and he worked in Chicago for the summer. David went into Civilian Public Service and worked in Lagro. David and Doris were married at First Church of the Brethren in Chicago on Dec. 27, 1942. David was transferred to work in a mental hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Both Doris and David worked there until 1947 when they moved back to Chicago, near Bethany Seminary. During those years, Doris worked as a clerk in an insurance office and then owned her own business as an insurance broker. David was a social worker.

Doris loved to travel to see relatives. She and David often traveled to Oklahoma or Alabama, his home. Most of all, Doris loved attending the Holderread family reunion every two years in different states.

Shortly after David died in September 2002, Doris moved to Timbercrest. At Timbercrest Doris was a volunteer for the Chapel committee, visitation team for Health Care, mending for Health Care, and the Timbercrest choir. For many years Doris organized speakers, pianist, and other people for the residents to listen and enjoy. She was a member of the Timbercrest Auxiliary and the Manchester Church of the Brethren. Doris had a strong commitment to peacemaking and was a cheerful donor to many social causes.

When she had down time, Doris enjoyed sewing, quilting, and crocheting. She enjoyed spending time with her covenant spouse, Olden Mitchell until his death in September 2013.

The loving memory of Doris H. Miller will be forever cherished by her sons: Paul (Kathy) Fry-Miller, North Manchester; and Donald (Laura) Miller, Scottsdale, Ariz.; daughter, Carol Jean (Craig) Bailey, Springfield, Ill.; seven grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many others who called her “grandma” and “great grandma”.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Minnie Holderread; husband, David H. Miller; brothers, Andrew, Leslie, Arthur, and Wilbur Holderread; sisters, Naomi Moyer, Pearlie Boyce, Ruth Stump, Viola Stern, Barbara Smith, and Leona Word; and her covenant spouse, Olden Mitchell.

A private celebration of Doris H. Miller’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 26. For those that wish to watch the service, you may see it on the North Manchester Church of the Brethren YouTube channel.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8a9npGGwC0

For those who wish to honor the memory of Doris H. Miller, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity International, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, GA 31709.

The family of Doris H. Miller has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.