Orpha Miller

Orpha Helmuth Miller CHESAPEAKE - Orpha Helmuth Miller, 89, of Bedford Street, went to be with her Lord surrounded by her family Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. Born in Millersburg, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Gideon and Fanny Helmuth. She was a lifelong member of Mount Pleasant Mennonite Church where she enjoyed hymns and was involved in special music groups. In her younger years she taught Sunday school and Bible school. She was a school bus driver for the City of Chesapeake for 20 years. Orpha's true devotion was as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and above all providing a Christian foundation and spiritual atmosphere for her family. She was predeceased by an infant daughter, and a year ago by her husband of 66 years, Ivan Eugene Miller; four sisters, Naomi Neuenschwander, Wilma Roth, Mary Zehr, and Ruth Helmuth; and four brothers, Alvin, Calvin, Atlee and Gilbert Helmuth. Survivors include her five children, Merlin Lee Miller and wife Linda, Carolyn Jean Yoder and husband Willie of Chesapeake, Loren Eugene Miller and wife Michelle of Lebanon, Ore., and Ivan Keith Miller and wife Laurie, Brent Laverne Miller and wife Kelly of Chesapeake; grandchildren, Brenda, (Matt) Regina, (Pete) Dennis, Jeremy, (Jenny) Richard, (Michelle) Ryan, Cory, (Rachelle) Whitney, Kari, Brandon, Darren, Troy, Maggie and Mark; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, Brent, Travis, Taylor, Erik, Ciara, Seth, Katrina, Hayley, Tara and Brady and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and two special sisters-in-law, Edna Miller and Pauline Miller. The funeral will be conducted at noon Wednesday, Nov. 24, at Mount Pleasant Mennonite Church, 2041 Mount Pleasant Road, Chesapeake. The Rev. Merlin Miller, the Rev. Harold Bergey and the Rev. Dale Keffer, will officiate. The interment will follow in the church cemetery. The viewing will begin on Wednesday with the family receiving friends from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the service at the church. The family would like to express a sincere thanks to three special care givers, Janet Chapman, Patricia Yoder, and a niece, Nina Troyer for the love and care given to our mother over the past year. Memorial donations may be made in Orpha's name to Hope Haven Children's Home, 1500 N. Landing Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Oman Funeral Home, Great Bridge Chapel, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Friends are invited to send condolences and to sign the online guest book at www.omanfh.com.