Ellen J. Miller

Ellen Jeanne Miller, born August 14,1942 to James and Marion Davis in Chicago, Illinois, was first and foremost an independent woman with a passion for living, a passion for loving, and a passion for family. She married Richard, the love of her life, who passed last April, and she could not wait to join him in heaven. After 58 years of marriage, they were two people who not only loved each other but were still in love, frequently holding hands and always kissing each other goodnight. Richard was so in love with her and always put her first.

The first part of their journey together was spent raising a family in Whiting, Indiana. During these years she worked in her children’s schools in ways that supported her creativity and allowed for her role as Mom. In retirement Ellen found happiness working with flowers, crafting, decorating and redecorating their beautiful home. Working on her many creative projects fueled her soul. One that stands out the most is the mural she painted of her grandchildren playing at the beach in the basement of their home on Ridgewood Drive. Other paintings and crafts still adorn the homes of her family and friends, each with a special meaning behind them.

Ellen,“Elly”, had the special ability to create a warm and welcoming home. She made a home here in South Haven for family gatherings and for her grandchildren to experience what it meant to have a grandmother. That experience lasted into their adult lives, and some were able to share that with their children. Bringing her to her cherished role as “Gigi”. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh, as well as a sense of adventure and imagination. She shared all of this with her family and friends, leaving behind so many stories yet to be told and treasured by all of us.

Ellen is survived by her four beautiful daughters who grew up to be her best friends; Laura Peyton, Cathy (Don) Poppen, Kim (Danny) James, Michelle Miller, and her “favorite son” John Peyton. She is also survived by her grandchildren, upon whom she certainly left her mark; Rachael Nanny, Melissa Nanny, Melanie (Peyton) Lenardic, Jessica (Peyton) Stappas, Michael Adam, Neil Adam, Katie Lauren James, Zach James, Bailey Sobjack, Jacob Hoggard, and Brad Hoggard. In addition, she was blessed with ten great grandchildren: Ava, Casen, Meara, Maeve, Mila, Ariana, Mina, Evy, Leo, and Kosta.

She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved brothers Rick and Randy Davis.

Ellen and Rich were faithful members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in South Haven for 30 years. In addition, Ellen leaves behind many dear family and friends, too numerous to mention here but know that she loved you all and wanted only to be remembered in life rather than in death, an easy request for all of us who were blessed to know her. May her memory live in our hearts forever.

Visitation for Ellen will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 12 p.m. until the time of her Funeral Service at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 718 Arbor Ct., South Haven, Michigan 49090.

Please consider a donation in honor of Ellen to Corwell Hospice or St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit: www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.