Melva Jean (Vandervort) Miller

It is with profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Melva Jean (Vandervort) Miller. She went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 21, 2024, surrounded by her family at the age of 92. Melva was born on April 9, 1932, in Newton, Kansas, the daughter of Franklin Burris and Mabel Creta (Platner) Vandervort.

Melva was a woman of deep faith, who cherished her relationship with God and lived her life in accordance with His teachings. She was an active member of Linwood Nazarene Church and Country Acres Baptist Church for many years, where she offered her time and heart to serve others.

It was during her time at Linwood, Nazarene church, that Melva found her calling and purpose serving the Lord. With an upcoming stage of life as an empty nester looming ahead, Melva started serving in a homebound ministry for the elderly and shut-ins. God used this time to deepen her faith and allowed her to minister to others who were facing loneliness and despair at a critical time in their lives. Her faith grew as well as her ability to help others grow in their faith through her selfless love and service. This truly was a defining time in her life.

Whether through prayer, hospitality, or acts of kindness, her life was marked by a constant desire to share God's love with those around her.

A devoted wife to Neil for 70 years, their love and partnership were an example of dedication, support, and unbreakable commitment. Together they raised a family grounded in faith, love and compassion. Melva found great joy in the company of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with her loved ones.

Throughout her life, Melva was known for her kind and generous spirit and later in life, her quirky sense of humor, and perhaps a lack of filter with boldness at times. She had a unique gift of making others feel loved and valued, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her legacy of service, grace, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Melva was preceded by her beloved husband; parents; a grandson, Nicholas Maddox; a sister, Betty (John) Hickox, a brother, Frank (Florence "Flo") Vandervort; two sons-in-law, Richard Brettin and Carl Clark and a great-grandson, Dean Maddox.

She leaves to cherish her memory, six children, Cindy (Steve) Maddox, Kenton Miller, James Miller, Tamara Brettin (Clay) Hall, Kimberly Clark and Tara (Tim) Cunningham; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be an hour prior to the service; funeral service will be at 11:00 am Monday, November 25, 2024, at Resthaven Mortuary Chapel; she will be laid to rest with her husband in Resthaven Gardens of Memory, Garden of Bruce Newton.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Cars For Charity Co., 1313 North Webb Road, Suite 100, Wichita, Kansas 67206, which was founded by husband's former student, Tom Devlin.