Clarence “Merle” Miller

On December 19, 2017, Merle Miller, surrounded by his family, passed away at Rosewood AFC at the age of 87.  Merle was born to Clarence and Alta (Glinke) Miller on October 22, 1930.  He was raised in the Breckenridge area with his family.  He enjoyed playing sports including basketball, football, and baseball.

Merle fell in love and married the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, Margaret “Marty” Ester, on September 18, 1951.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Alta Miller, his sister and brother-in-law Margia and Charles Pelham, his brother and sister-in-law Larry and Marlene Miller, his son Craig Miller, daughter-in-law Lorraine Miller, his best friend and brother-in-law Frank Ester and his wife Evelyn, sister-in-law June Peet, and sister-in-law Betty Iles.

He is survived by his beautiful wife, Marty, his son Steve (Judy) Miller, his daughter Shelly (Carl) McCarrick, his brother Gary (Kathy) Miller, brother-in-law Edwin Iles, his grandchildren: Melissa Fritzler, Jason Miller, Troy (Lacy) Miller, Todd (Jessica) Miller, Racheal (Matt) Miller, Kirstie (Scott) Sadler, Kelly (Jimmy) Vasquez, 15 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Merle is a United States army veteran.  He retired from Buick Motors as a journeyman electrician. Merle loved his family.  He loved fishing on Houghton Lake with his brothers, sons, cousin Lyle, and many others.  He enjoyed going to “Miller’s Cave” to hunt with his brothers, sons, grandsons, and nephews.  Every summer he enjoyed having the Ester family come up north for the “Annual Gathering of the Nuts.”

He spent his final months at Rosewood AFC where he told his family and caretakers many great stories about his life.  He talked about how much he loved his family, especially his beautiful wife.  Merle & Marty celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in September and he wanted everyone to know they have been the best years of his life.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 22nd at 1 pm at Barden’s Funeral Home in Ithaca, MI. The visitation will be from 11 am until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Rosewood AFC in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.