Marilyn Jean Miller

It has been said that Angels walk among us here on Earth. If this is true, we have

lost one of the kindest and most gentle Angels of them all, Marilyn Jean Miller,

beloved teacher, aunt, and friend who died April 15, 2015, in Omaha. Marilyn

was born January 31, 1930 in Haxtun, Colorado, to Ralph and Clarissa Soth Miller.

The family moved back to McCook, Nebraska, in 1933. The Republican River

Flood and Tornado of 1935 were devastating to the Miller family. Marilyn's aunt,

her aunt's sister, and four cousins perished in the flood. She frequently

recounted her memories as a small child of this tragedy. Marilyn's father was a

McCook city councilman, interim county judge, and respected merchant. The

family also owned Miller's Cloverleaf Dairy. Marilyn's mother was a school

teacher. No doubt Marilyn inherited her love of learning, respect for every

person, and her spirit of giving to others from her parents. Marilyn graduated

from McCook High School in 1948 and then attended McCook Junior College,

graduating in 1950. She then received her degree in elementary education from

Kearney State Teachers College in 1952. Marilyn taught elementary school in

McCook for 30 years at East Ward School, for many years teaching her cherished

third-graders, then volunteering to teach educationally challenged students.

Marilyn's former students always remember her infectious smile and kindness

shown to every student in her classes. As a model for her students, Marilyn

dressed impeccably, her hair and nails always pristine, wearing high heels and

finely tailored colorful dresses. Marilyn was an active member of First Christian

Church, Disciples of Christ, in McCook. She taught Sunday school, sang in the

church choir, and was co-sponsor of the Christian Youth Fellowship. At the time

of her death, she was a member of the First Congregational Church in McCook.

Marilyn was a true Nebraskan, a devoted Husker fan, and loyal to Nebraska beef,

preferring filet to any other food! And she was proud that former Governor and

Senator Ben Nelson hailed from McCook. Marilyn relocated to Omaha in 2012

and later resided at Immanuel Fontenelle Home in Omaha. Preceding her in

death were her parents, both of whom died in 1994. She is survived by her

adopted nephew Todd Fossum and husband Dr. Joseph Hoagbin of Omaha;

cousins Dale Miller and wife Betty of Missouri, Shirley Miller Wheeler of Colorado, Lynn Miller and wife

Jean of Massachusets, Nadine Miller Fidler of South Dakota, and Mona Lyons of California; dear friend Dorothy Brandt of

Lincoln, and many former students and friends. The Marilyn Jean Miller

Scholarship Fund has been established in honor of her memory at McCook

College Foundation, PO Box 195, McCook, NE 69001.



Services:

Friday (5-1-15) 2:00 PM at First Congregational Church, McCook, Nebraska.



Visitation:

Friday (5-1-15) 1:00 to 2:00 PM at First Congregational Church, McCook, Nebraska.



Interment:

Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook, Nebraska.