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Josephine “Josie” Miller, age 87, of Sturgis, and formerly of Nottawa, died on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born in Napanee, Indiana on March 2, 1936, a daughter of Christian and Susan (Helmuth) Wickey. On June 8, 1957, Josie of Nottawa, married William “Bill” A. Miller of Stark County, Ohio, in Canton, Ohio. They had three children: Paul, Tim, and Tina. She was a member of Wasepi Chapel in Centreville for 56 years. Josie primarily worked as a waitress in the area, notably at E&K Restaurant in Centreville, for many years. During that time, she and Bill owned and operated Miller Fiberglass in Colon. Upon their retirement, they enjoyed hauling friends and family in the Amish community near and far.
Josie treasured her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and looked forward to their visits. Her hobbies included word search puzzles and sewing. She put in many volunteer hours at the Building Hope Free Store in Centreville. Josie loved to tell stories about a trip that she and Bill took to The Holy Land. She had numerous pets over the years, including cats, dogs, and even a pet pig that was in the car with her when she was stopped by a policeman. Her dog of 13 years, Fritzy, survives her and will miss her dearly.
Josie is survived by her son, Tim (Kim) Miller; grandson Joshua (Terra) Miller; granddaughter, Josie (Max) Miller-Saxton; two great grandchildren, Jain Miller and Charlotte Frohriep. Besides her parents, Josie was preceded in death by a son, Paul Miller; daughter, Tina Miller; three sisters, Lulu (Levi) Yoder, Barbara (Raymond) Schmucker, Katie (John) Schwartz; and four brothers, Rudy (Susie) Wickey, Henry (Susie) Wickey, Sam (Clara) Wickey, and Chris (Rebecca) Wickey Jr.
Relatives and friends will be received Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 9 am to 11 am at Bridges Community Church, 27560 Marvin Rd., Centreville, MI49032. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11 am. Graveside committal services will be at Locust Grove Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at Bridges Community Church. Memorials may be directed to Brenda Walls, to pay for funeral expenses and for a donation to See Me Home Senior Dog Sanctuary, who have been taking care of Josie’s beloved dog, Fritzy. Visit Josephine’s memorial page to sign her guest book and leave a message for her family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
Josi and I grew up together in Nottawa. . . She was our next door neighbor. We took in every stray cat or kitten that came along, arguing who the cat belonged to. We had a great friendship. My husband and I would see her at the restaurant in Centerville and catch up on our lives. She was a wonderful friend. Time gets away and we moved to Northern Michigan. She will always be a part of my special memories of childhood.