Edward Loami Miller

Edward Loami Miller passed away January 18, 2017 at Hanson Hospice Center where he received loving, compassionate care during his last week of life. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 27 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph with Rev. Glenn Rosenbaum officiating. Friends may visit with the family Thursday, January 26 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be made to Hanson Hospice Center.  Those wishing to sign Edward’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ed was born December 19, 1934, in Allegheny County, PA, to Edward L. Miller Sr. and Margaret (Peg) Williams. The family moved to Eau Claire, MI, during his childhood, and he graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1953.  He served in the US Army from 1955-1961, and in 1958 began work as a teller at the Peoples State Bank in St. Joseph where he met the love of his life, Judith R. Teachout, and they were married April 18, 1959.  Together they raised four children. Through studies at the Universities of Michigan and Wisconsin Banking Schools and a strong work ethic, Ed rose to the position of Assistant Vice President at First National Bank of Watervliet. After leaving banking, he enjoyed many successful years in car sales, then worked as a chauffeur for Whirlpool Corporation from 1994-2014.  In all of these roles, Ed’s gift for showing great courtesy and kindness to everyone he served was well recognized and commended, and we are so proud of him for this. Ed and Judy could often be found gardening and working crossword puzzles together and spending time with family. They took many well-deserved trips in their empty nest years.  After her passing, Ed was especially grateful for the memories of their times together on “the islands” in the Caribbean. Ed is survived by his children, Denise (Kevin) Smiley of Interlochen, MI; Matthew (Lori) Miller of St. Joseph; John Miller of Benton Harbor; and Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Wolf of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Lynda (Miller) Vandenburg, Elizabeth (Miller) Sekellick, Karen (Smiley) Kuch, Steven Smiley, Joshua Smiley, Caleb Smiley, Mark Wolf, Laura Wolf, Beth Johnston, Katie (Johnston) Grumbir, and Kelly Johnston; and seven great-grandchildren, including Sophia Vandenburg who was born on the day of his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Judy of 55 years, and grandchildren Jess Patrick Miller and Kara Ann Miller.