Marilyn Jean Miller

Marilyn Jean Miller

Jan. 31, 1930 - April 15, 2015

OMAHA, Neb. -- 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 Jan. 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 was 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, Shirley Miller Wheeler, Lynn Miller and wife Jean, Nadine Miller Fidler, and Mona Lyons; 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.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 1, 2015, 2 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 212 East E Street in McCook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. John A. Gentleman Funeral Home of Omaha is in charge of arrangements.