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Claire Miller
Date Of Birth:October 17, 1917
Date Of Death:July 28, 2010
Service Date:Celebration of Life will be 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 31st at the First Presbyterian Church

Claire P. Miller, 92, of Bloomington, Indiana died on Wednesday, July 28th at Bell Trace.  She was born in Rugby, North Dakota on October 17, 1917, the daughter of George and Gail Putz.             She was preceded in death by her husband Hugh Miller, daughter Mary White, brother George Putz, and sister Shirley Elsen.  She is survived by her sister Gail (Stanley) Wilson and a brother, Gordon (Rose) Putz.  She is survived by three of her daughters, Elizabeth (Tom) Egenberger of Iowa City, Iowa; Catherine (Peter) Haralovich of Bloomington, Indiana; and Margaret (Morton) Soule of Portland, Maine.  She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Jennifer (Pat) Nelson, Sara (Steve) Lewter, Nathan Broaddus (Sally Sadoff), Leah Broaddus (Jason Agne), Jessyka Hancock, Daniel Broaddus (Danielle Cohen), Matthew (Vicky) Haralovich, Benjamin Haralovich, Peter Haralovich, and Mary Soule.  In addition she had 10 great-grandchildren.  Growing up in Fargo, North Dakota, she was chosen Peony Queen and Representative Girl in high school and Homecoming Queen in college.  She graduated from North Dakota State University with a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition.  As a dietitian at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, she met and married Dr. Hugh Miller.  During WWII, Hugh was in the Navy, and she spent a year teaching home economics and English in North Dakota, and then worked as a dietitian in Portland, Oregon.  After WWII, Claire and Hugh settled in his home town, Elkhart, Indiana.  She was a full-time homemaker for over 30 years, well-known for her homemade pies, breads and diverse meals.  She sewed her daughters' dresses and enjoyed entertaining family and friends.  During their time in Elkhart, Hugh was in private practice and later was a medical vice president at Miles Laboratories.  Claire taught kindergarten from 1968 to 1972 at Oslo Elementary School.  She was a member of Thursday Club, the First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart, Tri Kappa and P.E.O.  After retirement, the Millers moved to a farm in Constantine, Michigan.  They had a pond with a rope swing which was a favorite setting for their grandchildren.  They also enjoyed raising and eating their own food. In 1996 she moved to Bloomington, where she enjoyed the music and sports IU had to offer.  Throughout her life, she was an avid reader with interests including biographies, mysteries, the New Yorker and politics. There will be a celebration of her life at First Presbyterian Church (Bloomington) at 4:00  p.m. Saturday, July 31st.  

 


  • From: Bob Danko
    Location:Chicago IL

    Catherine & Peter: Terri & I extent our deepest sympathies at your loss. It is never easy losing someone close to you, but from the write up it sounded like she had a wonderful life. She had lived at parts of the US (and from what I heard – some of the most beautiful) that I haven’t seen – Oregon and Maine. Peter has often told me about the time spent on the farm in Michigan. I’ll be with you in spirit on Saturday at the celebration of her life. Bob


  • From: Ed & Diana Moor
    Location:Chicago

    Dear Kate and Peter: Sorry to hear of your loss. Though we never have the pleasure of meeting Claire, it sure sounds like she will be greatly missed. Peace be with you. Ed and Diana Moor


  • From: Mary Beth Haralovich
    Location:Tucson & Chicago

    It was always such a pleasure to see Claire. She had a great ability to make you feel so welcome, like your being there was a delight for everyone in the room! What an embrace she had ... I enjoyed it and enjoyed watching others respond to that love. It was nice to hear about Claire's adventures in reading. The journal that she kept of the books she read -- really cool. I admire that. Genuine and gracious. It was a delight to be in her presence. I appreciate that Claire was in my life, if only for a little bit. Mary Beth


  • From: Marnie and Rick Beebe
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    We send our condolences to Claire's family at her passing. We were her next-door neighbors for a time at Sycamore Village. She was a pleasure to visit with, and we enjoyed her smile and gentle disposition. Her determination to take daily walks and attend the Ladies Luncheons were an inspiration to us. She holds a special place in our memories of Sycamore Village and will be missed. Sincerely, Marnie and Rick Beebe


  • From: Brenda LeFevre (Baker)
    Location:Charleston, SC

    I wish to send my very belated condolences to the remaining family of Claire Miller. I was her daughter, Elizabeth's room mate my freshman year of college at Indiana Univerrsity. Lizzie and I had known each other growing up in Elkhart, Indiana - attending Elkhart High School and the 1st Presbyterian Church. Many, many years ago. I was trying to find Lizzie and came upon this sad announcement. Would so love to hear from her. Brenda Baker LeFevre



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