Miller

Esther “Marie” Miller, 102, of Butler, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at Butler Memorial Hospital, due to natural causes.

Marie was born, Nov. 25, 1921, in Butler, to Helen and Thomas Crawford. She remembered her early years as rather hard, as she grew up during the Depression. In 1939, she won a trip to the World’s Fair in New York, for her academic excellence. Marie graduated from Butler High School in 1940 and joined the Women's Army Air Corps in January 1943.

She married Lyman G. “Bud” Miller in 1945 and was a long-standing member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Butler. Marie kept busy through the years, raising her six children, hosting neighborhood parties, and working by cleaning individual homes and offices above the Union National Bank.

In her later years, she enjoyed traveling whenever she could. Her travels took her to England, Greece, Jerusalem, Italy and other destinations. Marie had many hobbies and interests, including quilting, crocheting and ceramic painting, many of which took blue ribbons at the Big Butler Fair and the Butler Farm Show.

Being a veteran, she always stayed active with the VA. She loved attending the adult day care and taking numerous bus trips sponsored by the American Legion Riders. One of her special trips was to Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C., where she got to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, escorted by Congressman Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania. She was a long-standing member of American Legion Post 117.

Marie was a huge dog lover and never missed petting and loving on them whenever she could. Her extremely sharp wit brought those around her much joy. She never missed an opportunity to share a witty “corny” joke. She attributed her longevity to a hard day’s work, a good sense of humor, and a cold draft beer.

Marie spent her last few years at Concordia Lutheran Ministries in Cabot, surrounded by friends, family and excellent care.

She is survived by one sister, Joyce Norman of Tampa, Fla.; three sons, Tom Miller (Susan Register) of Jacksonville, Fla., Gary Miller of Jacksonville, Fla., and Randy (Cathy) Miller of Evans City; two daughters, Sheila (Lewis) Nagy of Wilmore, Ky., and Patricia McClanahan of Liberty, Ky.; 17 grandchildren and many, many great- and great-great-grandchildren, totaling over 100 offspring; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lyman G. “Bud” Miller; one daughter, Karyn Albert; her parents; four brothers, Thomas, Ardell, Bill and Frank Crawford; two sisters, Betty Cipolla and Joanne Fend; one grandson, Michael Nagy; and two great-grandsons.

MILLER — A visitation for Esther “Marie” Miller, who died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, will be held from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 124 E. North St., Butler.

A private service will be held per family wishes. Burial will take place at Greenlawn Burial Estates.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Butler County Humane Society or a charity of the donor's choice.

All who knew Marie are encouraged to share memories of her and upload photos to her unique remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.