Obit: Miller, Alma A. (1909 - 2017)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Miller, Softer, Jensen, Robertson, Ryll, Chase, Hammel, Wojner, Boettcher

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 03 May 2017

Miller, Alma A. (27 APR 1909 - 26 APR 2017)

Alma A. Miller, age 107, was born in Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday, April 27, 1909 to Adolph and Amalia Softer. She fell asleep in death at her home in Owen, Wisconsin on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, just one day before turning 108 years of age.

A hospitable, kind-hearted and humble person, Alma never wanted to draw unnecessary attention to herself. Nevertheless, she did become well known, even beyond the Owen and Withee areas. This was not so much because of her unusual longevity, but, instead, was due to her determination to try to talk to everyone she met about her faith in God's promises for the future. She did so in the hope that those with whom she shared these things might take it to heart in their own lives. Many did.

Having lived in Chicago, Alma's family moved to the Withee area in the 1920's. After having studied the Bible, she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on Saturday, July 10, 1937 in the Red Cedar River in Chetek, Wisconsin.

In 1931 she married Harold A. Miller, a local farmer who was well known in the area for his love of horses. Harold was also one of Jehovah's Witnesses and so, together, they (using a horse and buggy in the early years) traveled throughout Clark County and beyond. This was in order to talk to all of their neighbors and friends about what the Bible really teaches us about Jesus and Jehovah God's love for mankind. This great love is expressed in one of Alma's favorite scriptures which is found at Revelation 21:3-5. That verse speaks of a time in the very near future when God will wipe out all causes for tears. At that wonderful time, pain and death it says, "will be no more."

Alma was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband Harold; her sisters Tillie (Ryll) Jensen, Olga Robertson and a brother Jack Softer.

She is survived by two nephews: Randall (Irene) Ryll of Withee; Jason (Christina) Softer of Eau Claire; a niece Judith Softer of Elk Mound; Randall and Irene's daughters Mollie Chase and Debra (Matt) Hammel and their families of Colorado; other relatives including Bertha Wojner of Owen; and her many dear friends including Clint and Lynn Boettcher of Owen who were with her constantly during these last several months. She will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Old School Auditorium, 101 East 3rd Street, Owen, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held that day from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services.

The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

A special thanks goes to the nurses and caretakers of the Ministry Home Care and Hospice Services of Marshfield, whose kind assistance was greatly appreciated.

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