Margaret Atwater Miller

Margaret Atwater Miller of Bristol, Indiana, passed away on March 28, 2026 at the age of 100. She died peacefully with family at her side.

Margaret was born in Lagrange County, Indiana on November 12, 1925, to Maynard and Freeda (Miller) Atwater. She attended Green School and graduated from Shipshewana High School in 1944. She was an active member of Shore Mennonite Church during her youth.

On February 25, 1945, Margaret married Lester Miller. They purchased a farm north of Goshen, Indiana and later a farm in Union, Michigan. Life was busy for Margaret as she was active in church activities, taught Bible Studies, milked cows, sewed, did volunteer work, and raised 6 children. Margaret and Lester were members at Pleasant View Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana until 1960 when they, along with 12 other families, started a new congregation north of Bristol, now called Tri Lakes Community Church.

In 1978 they retired from farming and moved to the Bristol area. Margaret worked at the Lexington House Cafeteria in Elkhart, IN for 12 years and later helped to establish a B.A.B.E. store helping young mothers and children in Elkhart which she managed for 20 years. She and Lester travelled to many states including Alaska and Hawaii. They also toured the Holy Lands and did short-term volunteer work in Belize and in Brazil.

Margaret was known for her untiring efforts and her gentle, loving spirit.

Margaret and Lester celebrated 71 years of marriage before Lester died on May 22, 2016. Also proceeding her in death were her parents, 4 siblings, Marjorie Bixler, Martha Lou Neff, Merlin and Maurice Atwater, and a daughter-in-law, Rosemary Reseter Miller. Surviving are 3 siblings, Madonna Price, Marilyn (Bill) Emmert, Mark (Clara) Atwater and 6 children, Verlin (Elaine) Miller of Bristol, IN, Victor Miller of Union, MI, Ann Miller of Elkhart, IN, Carol (Dave) Dulaney of Bristol, IN, Steve Miller and Jenny (John) Hooley both of Goshen, IN. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and 15 nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private graveside service at Little Pine Cemetery, Goshen, IN. There will be an hour of visitation prior to the 11:30 am Celebration of Life service on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Tri Lakes Community Church, 50755 C.R. 23, Bristol, IN. Memorial contributions may be directed to Faith Mission of Elkhart.