Shirley A. Miller

Shirley A. Miller, 89, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2022, in her residence surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in Loves Park, Illinois on July 27, 1933, Shirley was the daughter of the late Fred Oscar and Edith Loraine (Swank) Nord.

Shirley graduated from Akron Central High School then continued her education at Akron University where she earned a Bachelor degree in Education. She graduated in 1955 and was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at Akron U.

On May 21, 1955, Shirley married the love of her life, the late Thomas G. Miller who proceeded her in passing in 2020. After graduating from Otterbein, Tom was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Wurzburg, Germany. There, Shirley taught Math and English to the soldiers.

The couple raised three children and were faithful supporters of Dover schools and athletics. Shirley served 2 terms on the Dover Board of Education from 1972 to 1980, leading the board as the president for one of her terms. She was honored to hand two of their children, Brad and Kris, their high school diplomas.

Tom and Shirley were longtime and faithful members of NewPointe Community Church at Dover. Shirley was also a past member of the Jaycee Wives, Twig, the Union Hospital Auxiliary, and Union Country Club. At the club, she enjoyed golfing and playing tennis.

In addition to her love of these organizations, Shirley was an avid reader, loved to cook, and was a devoted grandmother supporting her grandchildren’s activities. She also was a gracious hostess who enjoyed gathering with friends and family at their home. Specifically, Tom and Shirley hosted an annual Ohio State/Michigan football party at their Wooster Avenue home. Golf trips with her dear friends and vacations with her sister, Audrey, were cherished memories for Shirley, too.

Shirley’s caring, compassionate, and giving nature will be treasured by all of those who were lucky enough to call her mom, grandma, and friend. She will be missed dearly.

Shirley is survived by her three children, Dr. Bradley (Katy Hollister) Miller of Cincinnati, Ohio, Kristen (Del) Shepherd of Pickerington, Ohio, and Kyle (Kim) Miller of Dover as well as her five grandchildren; Ryan, Luke, Nathan, Cole, and Abby; and her loving sister, Audrey Norman; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in passing by her sister, Marilyn Jean Bernard.

In gratitude for their exemplary care and compassion, the family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Shirley’s private care team, Crystal Bates, Lisa Beam, Tracie Beckett, and Kristy Romano, and Community Hospice.

A private memorial service will be held at the Geib Funeral Center in Dover.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Shirley’s name to Community Hospice ,716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or NewPointe Community Church, 3950 State Route 39 NW, Dover, OH 44622.

Helen H. Webb once wrote, “If I wrote my obituary, it would only be to say this: ‘How lucky I was to have received the gift of this long life journey. How lucky to have had my amazing and wonderful family and friends.” Shirley, too, believed this sentiment.