Mildred Dheur Miller

Mildred (Mike) Dheur Miller, devout Christian, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed into eternal life at the age of 92 on September 17, 2020. Born in 1927 to Peter and Anna (Bak) Dheur and raised in Whiting, IN with her dear sister, Dorothy. Both Dheur sisters played the piano at many school functions and Mildred also played at a local Methodist church. Mildred graduated high school in 1945 during the hardships of World War II. She was very bright and adventurous, attending three different colleges in Indiana before going to the University of Denver (DU) on a scholarship. Mildred gained her nickname “Mike” at DU, as her friends affectionately called her, and she graduated with B.S. Degree in Art Education. Mike taught Art and Physical Education at W.K. Kellogg High School in Kalamazoo, MI, where she met and married her beloved husband of 50 years, Elwyn (Elly) Ritter Miller.

Mike was a cosmopolitan woman with a flare for fashion and design. Her lifelong passions included art, pantomime at the Okemos Barn Theatre, interior design, gourmet cooking, hosting, nutrition and fitness, trendy clothes, and above all, family. Mike blessed her family with a foundation of Christian love through her service to others, respectful behavior, and generosity. The family loved to gather around the piano as Mike played hymns and all sang until voices grew hoarse. Mike was a great cook and hostess extraordinaire. She entertained numerous MSU students and faculty and visiting scholars from around the world. She hosted many ladies functions for MSU faculty wives and enjoyed University Club events and luncheons. She also hosted functions for University Christian Church, where she and Elly were Charter Members. Her home was always a showstopper, with her unique and eclectic sense of design. Mike and Elly traveled extensively throughout the United States, taking their children on these excursions to broaden their horizons. Mike and Elly also traveled internationally to countries in Europe, Asia, and in Central and South America. Mike collected artwork from these countries, which she beautifully displayed in her home. Mike's legacy of generosity and love of God and family lives on!

Mike was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Anna; husband, Elly; and great-grandson, Cameron Glenn Green. Mike is survived by her sister, Dorothy Dheur; five children, Nora Kim Green, Pamela Kallweit, Jill (Tom) Endelmann, Garth (Robin Chapman) Miller, and Tassi Miller; 10 grandchildren, Beth (Scott) Hilt, Andy (Deanna) Endelman, Elwyn Green, Jennifer Mosher, Jessica (Benji) Pickens, Trevor (Rona) Kallweit, Robin (Mike) Rivas, Robert (Virginia) Kallweit, Casey Jane Chapman, and Matthew Miller; 11 great-grandchildren, Lauren, Jack, Naomi, Tayla, Sage, Devon, Shalynn, Riley, Grayson, Isabella, and Coretta; special niece, Chris (Bill) Asztalos; cousin, Chris Yurkanan; and many other beloved family and friends. Rejoice in the Lord!

A private service will be held at University Christian Church in East Lansing followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery in Okemos.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Miller family.