Walter Ellis Miller

     Walter Ellis “Walt” Miller, age 90 of Elsie, MI passed away Friday, May 22, 2026, at his home.
      Funeral Services will be held Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Elba Twp., MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. 
      Walter was born on August 22, 1935, the son of Ralph McLean and Lila Pearl (VanDuesen) Miller. He graduated from Elsie High School, with the class of 1954. Walt married Marilyn Frances Valentine, on August 20, 1954, at Bannister United Methodist Church, Bannister, MI. They were blessed with sixty-three years of marriage, prior to her passing on November 17, 2017. 
     Walt was a farmer and loved to tell stories, and he had a gift of gab. His grandchildren were special to him an they called him, Big Papa, and he enjoyed giving his grandchildren rides on his golf cart. Walt enjoyed mowing his lawn and listening to polka music. He played the saxophone in a polka band for many years. He was a member of Bannister United Methodist Church. 
     He is survived by his children: Lori and Dr. Ronald Mead of Gaylord, MI; Brenda and Tim Quine of Bannister, MI; Carrie and Dave Fox of Bannister, MI; and Scott and Jane Miller of Elsie, MI; his grandchildren: Kristin (Mead) and Andrew Nugent, Cameron Mead, Trevor Mead, Lyndsey (Quine) and Kirt Lover, Chad and Melisa Hier, Justin and Amanda Hier, Randi (Miller) Holmes, and Damien and Kortney Miller; his sister Helen Reha of Elsie, MI. He is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marilyn, his grandson Jason Mead, and one sister Erma Jean Shaffer.
      Memorials may be made to Compassus Hospice, 801 South Waverly Road #2100 Lansing, MI 48917. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.