Mary Jane (Doepker) Miller

Mary Jane Miller

   MILLER CITY - Mary Jane (Doepker) Miller, 81, died at 8:49 p.m. Monday, December 4, 2017. She was born August 5, 1936 to Lavina (Seimet) and John Doepker. She was the youngest child of the Doepker family and is only survived by her sister-in-law, Marilyn (Bob) Doepker. Her siblings, Carl, Anna Mae (Bill) Kuhlman, Ina (Syl) Kleman, and Bob had previously passed away.

   Mary Jane graduated from Miller City High School and The College of Mount Saint Joseph, Cincinnati, OH.  She was a home economics teacher at Ft. Jennings, Continental, and finally ended up at Miller City. As an educator and personally, she set high standards and wanted everyone to learn and excel. Mary Jane touched many lives and left a lasting legacy through her students. Whether it was teaching young people to sew buttons, hem pants, prepare a nutritious meal, balance a checkbook, or guiding students through child development so they would one day have a clue as parents, she instilled practical knowledge that is useful yet today. Remember the mantra, "Do things right the first time so you don't have to do them again". She enjoyed teaching and being involved with young people. Her roles as a FHA advisor and 4-H judge allowed her to encourage young women to be independent and become leaders.

    Mary Jane found her true love and partner in life across the hall from her classroom at Miller City High School in music teacher, Gerald W. Miller. They have been married the last 55 years. Together they have three children, Mike (Jeannie) Miller of Kansas City, KS, Lisa Miller of Miami, FL., and David (Angie) Miller of Leipsic; five grandchildren, Stephanie Miller-Thorne of Veneta, OR, Matthew Miller of Junction City, KS., Erin Miller of Leipsic, Anthony Sanchez and Julian Sanchez both of Miami, FL.; and a great-grandchild, Arya Thorne. Mary Jane took her role of grandmother very seriously. Every birthday was attended (even though the grandkids were scattered across the country)  with home-made gifts in tow saying, "I want to give you something to remember me by". She loved her family fiercely!

   Mary Jane was a long standing member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, the CLC, and Altar Rosary Society. She enjoyed gardening with a special interest in flowers and herbs. She was a Master Gardner. She was an avid member of the Putnam County Historical Society. She loved meetings and conferences. She was a true member of the community and will be greatly missed.

   Remembrances and donations may be given to the Putnam County Council on Aging or to Putnam County Hospice.

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 7, 2017 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Miller City with Msgr. Charles Singler officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa where there will be a scripture service at 1:45 p.m. and a rosary service at 7:45 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. until the departure for Mass on Thursday at the funeral home.

   Condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.

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