Miller, Christian R. (1897-1974)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1974 Jul 11 p. 11

Birth date: 1897

text of obituary:

CHRISTIAN R. MILLER

Christian R. Miller graduated to glory on Good Friday, April 12, 1974, age 77 years.

A son of Samuel P. and Katherine Raber Miller, he was born in a covered wagon at Yates Center, Kan. while his family was moving from Oklahoma to Missouri. The family later moved to Fairview, Mich. and then to Minot, N. D. During the latter move, Chris rode in a freight car, taking care of the livestock and the family furnishings.

In North Dakota he met his future wife, Caroline Victoria Mast, who was visiting her uncle, Bishop Isaac S. Mast. After his father's sudden death, he came to Pennsylvania at the age of 19 and was married to Caroline on Jan. 10, 1918.

He farmed for a few years until he found that his real calling was carpentry and other related work, which he pursued until his retirement in 1961. Many houses and other buildings in both Pennsylvania and California bear his handiwork.

He was a member of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church during his early years in Pennsylvania and alter of the Frazer, Pa. Mennonite Church. In the late 40's he moved to California where he lived out most of his final years. He was a member of the 7th Street Mennonite Church at Upland, Calif. at the time of his death.

He loved to sing praises to his Lord. In the churches he attended, he was often called upon to lead the singing. He always had an active lay ministry in rescue missions and as Sunday school teacher, Bible school leader and in other opportunities as the Lord directed.

He was the sixth child of a family of five sons and three daughters and is survived by one sister, Mrs. Minnie Glick of Lancaster, Pa. In addition to his wife and sister he is also survived by three sons, Ernest E. of Denver, Colo., R. Emerson of Doylestown, Pa., and Lewis E. of Parkesburg, Pa.; one daughter, Mrs. John Mellinger of Upland, Calif; 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.