Frederick E. Miller

Frederick E. Miller, 75, of Bolivar, passed away Monday, February 19, 2018, in Aultman Hospital at Canton.

Fred was born October 23, 1942, to the late Elmer and Goldie Baker Miller at Dover, Ohio.

A 1960 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Fred received his bachelor’s degree from Heidelberg College in 1964 and his master’s degree from the University of Akron in 1973. He was a fifth grade and special education teacher for nine years and an elementary principal for 24 years in the Tuscarawas Valley local school district.

Fred was one of the leading experts on the history of Tuscarawas County, publishing books, leading cemetery tours, moderating library programs and sharing his knowledge with area schoolchildren.
He also enjoyed writing grants that allowed him to bring in-house education residencies to local students. Fred believed learning was more than books and lectures and excelled at bringing history to life through Life in Zoar experiences.

He had been president of the Tuscarawas County Historical Society for more than a decade, beginning in 1997. Fred also served as a Hall of Fame board member for the Quaker Foundation.

The community recognized Fred in 2006 with the Quaker Foundation Distinguished Service Award. He was also humbled to receive the Zeisberger Heckewelder Award in 2014 that was presented for his exemplary contributions to the quality of life in Tuscarawas County, especially involving preservation and awareness of local history.

Fred will be deeply missed by his family including his wife, the former Becky Ridenour, whom he wed November 14, 1964; his daughters, Beth (Chris) Carpenter of Bolivar, and Lisa (Michael) Yelichek of Perry Township; his grandchildren, Noah and Hallie Carpenter, and Megan and Ryan Yelichek; his sister-in-law, Pat (Bob) Stephens of Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in passing by his siblings, Elizabeth Zimmer, Helen Miller, John Miller and David Miller.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Rev. David E. Houdeschell will lead a service celebrating Fred’s life on Monday beginning at 11 a.m. Inurnment of Fred’s cremated remains will be held in Fort Laurens Cemetery at Bolivar at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. John’s United Church of Christ, PO Box 156, 409 Park Ave SE, Bolivar, OH 44612.