Shirley R. Miller

Shirley Rose Miller, 81 of Fremont, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Fremont on September 21,1942 to the late Leonard and Ida (Hammer) Gabel.

Shirley was a 1960 graduate of Jackson-Burgoon High School. She went on to work as a nurse’s aide at Fremont Memorial Hospital for a few years prior to getting married and starting her family. She also volunteered countless hours with the American Red Cross blood drives and Heartbeat International over the course of her lifetime. 

On May 5,1962, Shirley married her first and only love, Gerald “Jerry” Miller, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fremont. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage including over 30 years of running the family business of Miller’s Nursery. She enjoyed the interaction with many repeat customers who built a tradition around picking out a live Christmas tree each year, while she served up hot cocoa to holiday music in the little red barn. 

Shirley was deeply devoted to her family and considered raising her 5 children to be both her greatest blessing and accomplishment. When her children were grown, she often substituted as a teacher’s aide in the Lakota school system which she found personally fulfilling to be able to positively impact the lives of children.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jerry Miller of Fremont; their children, Lynne (Richard) Baranowski of Perrysburg, Richard “Rick” Miller of Columbus, Lawrence “Larry” (Joyce) Miller of Tallmadge, Randal “Randy” (Kathie) Miller of Avon, and Holly (Greg) Schroeder of Irving, Texas; grandchildren: Jessica, Natalie, Sam, and Mia Miller. She is also survived by numerous brother and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and beloved friends.

Shirley was proceeded in death by her parents and 5 brothers, Kenneth, Robert, Cletus, Lawrence, and Clement.

Visitation for Shirley will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home, 425 E. State St, Fremont OH with a prayer Vigil starting at 7:30. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan St, Fremont, OH with Fr. Matthew Frisbee officiating. 

 A private graveside memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials in honor of Shirley may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Parish (www.growinholiness.org), St. Mary Catholic Parish in Millersville (stmarymillersville.org), or to the American Red Cross (redcross.org).