Shirley Miller

Shirley C. Miller, age 90, formerly of Lee Lake, Ceresco, died peacefully on February 26, 2013.  He had recently lived at The Heritage Assisted Living Community in Battle Creek.  He was born February 11, 1923, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to William and Sada (Rogers) Miller.  Shirley was married to Bette J. (Bonnell) Miller on January 2, 1942, in Bryan, Ohio, and they were together for 61 years.  She preceded him in death in 2003.  Following service in WWII as an Army Sergeant, which included a year as a POW in Germany, he graduated from the University of Redlands, California, with a degree in psychology.   He returned to Michigan with his young family and worked for several years at Eaton Manufacturing.  He subsequently worked for V. C. Squire Company in Battle Creek, and later for CBS in California.  He is survived by sons Patrick D. (Jeanne) of Big Sky, Montana, and Stephen L. (Lynne) of Vancouver, Washington, daughter Nannette D. Miller of Elk Rapids, Michigan, nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, step sisters, Patricia Rajala and Ruth (William) Green, special friend, Virginia Collins, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Over the years “Curly”, as he was known to many, enjoyed archery, skiing, handiwork at his lakeside home, fishing, music and reading.  He had a particular fondness for the guitar and so enjoyed his association with V. C. Squire which manufactured guitar strings.  He and Bette spent many happy summers in South Haven where they moored their boat, made numerous friends and fished on Lake Michigan.  They also traveled annually to Cancun, Mexico, to vacation each spring.  In recent years he was a part of the thespian group, “The Hillside Players”, which performed locally.  Curly will indeed be remembered for his unique sense of humor!
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 19 at 10:30 AM at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.  A military burial of cremated remains will follow at 12:00 noon at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  www.henryfuneralhome.org

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