WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Marie Helen Miller, 95, of Durham, N.C., and formerly of Sturgis, died Feb. 17, 2012, in her daughter’s home on Club Boulevard.
She was born Sept. 25, 1916, in Blackwell, Okla., to Karl G. Janke and Anna (Rohr) Janke.
During the Great Depression, the family moved to Sturgis and later to a farm outside Howe, Ind., where she helped with gardening, collecting eggs from large chicken coops and making clothes for the family.
She also enjoyed and developed skills in baking and cooking, home remodeling, curtain making, reupholstering and decorating.
On Jan. 21, 1939, Marie married Edwin Frederick Jones. Theirs was a beautiful relationship that lasted until Edwin departed this life on Dec. 3, 1959. In later years, she married Rollin Jay Miller, who has also preceded her in death.
Marie was one of seven children. Preceeding her in death were her sisters, Florence Knapp, Emily Kirkpatrick, Henny Beckwith and Louise Ludwig; and a brother, Karl Janke.
At the time of her passing, she believed that her younger brother Earl was still living in or around Three Rivers.
Marie is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Jones Shiflett of Durham and Kay Dianne Wierda of Lamont; and a son, Ricky Lee Jones of Burr Oak.
In addition, Marie is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be offered 1 p.m. today at Calvary United Methodist Church, 304 E. Trinity Ave., Durham.
Flowers are acceptable or memorial contributions in Marie’s name may be made to American Lung Association.
The Miller family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service in Durham. Online memorials: www.hallwynne.com, and select obituaries.
