Miller, Mattie Wagler (1878-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 Jul 25 p. 8

Birth date: 1878 Dec 28

text of obituary:

MATTIE WAGLER MILLER

Mattie Wagler Miller, daughter of Joseph and Barbara Naffziger Wagler, was born on a farm southeast of Pulaski in Roscoe Township, Iowa on Dec. 28, 1878, and died June 26, 1963, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sophronia Jansen in Berwyn, Ill. at the age of 84 years, five months, and 28 days.

She had spent all of her life in Davis County with the exception of the last eight months which, because of poor health, she had spent with her daughter.

Mattie was united in marriage to Jeremiah C. Miller on May 6, 1903, by Rev. W. W. Miller. Two daughters and two sons were born of this union; Mrs. Mildred Vannordstrand of Clemoth, Iowa, Mrs. Craddock P. Jensen of Berwyn, Ill., Curtis J. Miller of Bloomfield, Iowa, and Mahlon M. Miller of Sterling, Ill.

As a young girl she helped in the care of her grandparents, who lived near the family farm, making her home with them for several years. Mattie attended the rural schools of Davis County.

She was a member of the Pulaski Mennonite Church and took a very active part in the Dorcas Society and other work at the church. For several years she was a member of the executive committee of the Sunday school. She was very active in 4-H work, serving as the local club leader and also a county leadership officer. She also served as the home project chairman for Grove Township in the woman's work of the Farm Bureau.

She and her husband made their home on the Miller homestead farm in Grove Township. Following the passing of her husband in 1943, Mattie moved to Bloomfield where she continued her faithful attendance at church and Sunday school. She enjoyed her work with the WSCS of the Methodist Church. In Bloomfield she also enjoyed the companionship and fellowship in the W.R.C.'s and Civic League, being a member of both organizations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, five brothers, and three sisters. She will be missed by her four children and their families, including five grandchildren; also by one brother, Clarence E. Wagler of Bloomfield; one sister Elizabeth Roulet of Goldfield, Iowa; many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

To many she was known as Mattie, to her grandchildren and their friends, and many others, she was “Grandma.” By her thoughtfulness of others, she received the love and respect of all who knew her.

The funeral service was held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Pulaski Mennonite Church, conducted by Rev. Frank R. Mitchell, assisted by Rev. Donald Arthur of Bloomfield. Burial took place at the Union Cemetery.