Miller, Oliver J. (1886-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Mar 9 p. 8

Birth date: 1886 May 18

text of obituary:

OLIVER J. MILLER

Oliver J. Miller, first of ten children, was born to Jeff and Kathryn Miller in Howard County, Ind. on May 18, 1886, and passed away at his home in Fairview, Mich. on Feb. 10, 1961.

He came to Oscoda County with his parents in 1903 and saw that village of Fairview grow from nothing to the present prosperous community.

On Nov. 28, 1909, he was united in marriage to Alta Mae Mast. They lived together for over 51 years, experiencing many joys and sorrows together.

Nine children came into their home, all of whom, survive, including six daughters, Glada Kauffman and Iola Swartzendruber of Fairview, Cleva Summer of Elsie, Mich., Olive Shetler of Ontario, Calif., Kathryn Sharick of St. Johns, Mich. and Pauline Chaffee of Dexter, Mich.; three sons, Clayton of Fairview, Lloyd of Curtis, and Thurman of Engadine, Mich.; 39 grandchildren; four brothers, Chancey and Roy of Fairview, William of Plevna, Ind., and Willis of Harrisonburg, Va.; and two sisters, Fanny Miller and Nettie Detweiler, both of Fairview. Two brothers, Harry and John, and a sister Della preceded him in death.

He was a charter member of the Fairview Mennonite Church and served the congregation in many capacities.

During his life he was engaged in many occupations. He spent a number of years on the farm during which time he did some saw milling and threshing. Because of physical reasons, he took to business retail enterprises, and for approximately 28 years was instrumental in promoting a number of businesses in Fairview, the last of which is being continued by his son in the feed and trucking business.

His last illness had confined him to his bed since Aug. 21, 1959 in a completly [sic] helpless condition, during which time his loving companion cared for him unceasingly.