Phyllis C. Miller

Phyllis C. Miller St. Joseph has lost one of its leading ladies. Phyllis Miller joined her husband, Stanley O. Miller on August 23, 2006. Phyllis was born in St. Joseph to George and Meleda Clemens. She spent much of her childhood on the Lincoln Avenue family farm. Following her graduation from University of Chicago she worked in the legal department of Swift & Co. She married Stanley Miller of Benton Harbor in 1941. Phyllis was a devoted wife and mother. She lived a spiritual life; a life of selfless giving. She had her mother’s talent in creating handwork works of art; knitting, needlepoint, and quilting. She enjoyed reading, Economics Club, flowers, birds, music, and theater. She is fondly remembered for her graciousness, heart of compassion, conscientiousness, her beautiful meals and her homemade bread. She stood for what was right and good. Somehow she made everything better. In 1922, Walter Miller (Phyllis’ father-in-law), incorporated New Products Corporation, a die cast manufacturer in Benton Harbor. Her husband Stanley ran the company for 60 years. Phyllis served as an NPC officer and director for over fifty years. Stanley and Phyllis made many sacrifices over the years to benefit the employees, following her mother-in-law’s advice: “the company comes first.” Stanley and Phyllis were motivated to serve NPC employees, their families, and the community. Following the death of her husband in 2001, she acted on her concern for employees. Without hesitation, in a remarkable act of courage, she stepped forward to become President of New Products Corporation at the age of 85! In her dedication to serve others she devotedly worked long hours and was highly involved in corporate decision making and day-to day operations of the company. In an extremely demanding, challenging, and competitive business environment, Phyllis, daughter, Cherie, smoothly transitioned the company and with the NPC team maintained the company’s extraordinary product quality. Phyllis and Cherie reorganized NPC and made many significant improvements. Phyllis’ tremendous accomplishment continued the legacy, and which generously provides for 150 employees and their families. Phyllis was active in Monday Musical Club; she was involved in the Literacy Counsel teaching reading; she was a lifetime member of St. Joseph River Yacht Club and Berrien Hills Country Club. Phyllis served on the Southwest Symphony board for many years. Phyllis was a faithful member of The First Congregational United Church of Christ in Benton Harbor. She sang in the church choir and chaired many years of Thanksgiving Pageants. In 2005 Phyllis was honored as an Outstanding Woman of Achievement by the W.C.A. Phyllis and Stanley were philanthropists giving of their time, talent, and anonymously gifting considerable sums of money personally, through the Stanley O. Miller Charitable Fund and the Walter Miller & Sons Scholarship Fund. Their philanthropy was centered locally, though their generosity extended nationally. Stanley and Phyllis were particularly generous to NPC employees. Generosity extended to educational institutions including many high schools and universities: St. Joseph High School, Benton Harbor High School, Purdue University, University of Chicago, Hope College, Hillsdale College, Olivet College, Kalamazoo College, Andrews University, Alma College, Albion College, Spring Arbor College, Jordan College, Harding University, and Humanex Academy. Phyllis supported Readiness Center, Twin City Area Literacy Council, Link Crisis Center, The Loft, and Gateway. Many hospitals including Lakeland and Mercy Hospital received benefit of Phyllis and Stanley’s generosity. Numerous churches received their continual donations: First Congregational Church of Benton Harbor, Twin City Area Catholic Schools, and Samaritan Center. Years of support were given to Southwestern Michigan Symphony and Monday Musical. A nature lover, Phyllis supported Sarett Nature Center, Fernwood, Save the Dunes, Indian Hills Garden Club, and The Conservancy. She also gave to numerous other causes such as: Berrien County Cancer Service, Hospice at Home, Leader Dogs, women’s homes, many political organizations, numerous foundations and many individuals in need. The city of Benton Harbor benefited when they paved roads for the city and supported local police and fire departments. Youth were a frequent focus of their philanthropy: Boy Scouts of America, Junior Achievement, Junior Foundation, Berrien County Youth Fair, Readiness Center, Link Crisis Center, Lori’s Place, and two youth homes. Phyllis is survived by: her children Lowell Miller, Vance Miller, Cheryl “Cherie” Miller, and Lyn Sennholz; a brother and sister-in-law Victor and Tenny Miller; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; and nieces Betty Haevers, Phyllis Haevers (Vince LoDuca), Pat Burton (Bob), Ruth Mueller and Pamela Hartwig. She is preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Stanley O. Miller, sisters Arlene Haevers and Marjory Hartwig, and brothers-in-law Ferdinand Haevers and Joseph D. Hartwig. At the request of Phyllis, there will be a private graveside service at Crystal Springs Cemetery. An online guest book is available at www.starks-menchinger.com In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Stanley O. Miller Charitable Fund, (c/o Chase Bank, 400 Riverview Drive Benton Harbor, MI 49022, 269- 926-4776), or the Purdue Foundation directed to the Walter Miller & Sons Scholarship Fund, (at Dick and Sandy Dauch Alumni Center 405 West Wood St., West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 contact Paula Bull 765-494-7637), or the Berrien County Cancer Service 7301 Red Arrow Hwy, Stevensville, MI 49127, 269-465-5257.