Melissa Ann Miller

Melissa Ann Miller, 48 of Rome, Maine, departed this world following a lengthy illness on October 26, 2022 to be with her Heavenly Father. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, teacher, counselor, a friend of many, and a dedicated child of God. Her passing has affected the lives of many in the Waterville area and beyond, and she long will be remembered for bringing light and love to all those whose lives she touched.

Born Melissa Ann Rodgers to Leo and Suzanne Rodgers of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania on April 22, 1974, Melissa grew up on her family's farm, and attended Tamaqua High School in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1992. She then attended Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, from which she graduated magna cum laude in 1996. She served for many years as a decorated schoolteacher in Bethlehem and Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and in Waterville and Belgrade, Maine, primarily teaching fifth grade which was a favored age for her.

After her children were born, Melissa became a full-time homemaker, devoting her life to raising her family, though she also found time to volunteer in the local schools, at her church and for many years at a Christian summer camp in Farmington, Maine. Melissa was a charter member of Living Water Community Church in Waterville and Oakland, Maine, where she worshiped for over 20 years. She was a long-time leader in the church, serving especially in the children's ministry and in women's ministry. She was able to minister to hundreds of children over the years, teaching them the fundamentals of the Christian faith, but she also was adept at discipling adults and inspiring them to seek greater spiritual maturity in their lives.

Throughout all of her roles of service over the years, Melissa's life was marked by her humble, gracious way of giving to others, always focusing on their needs over her own. One of Melissa's great passions for over 15 years was serving during the summers at the Girls Camp at Farmington. She served in many positions over the years, eventually as a co-director of the camp. At camp, she was able to influence an entire generation of young women, encouraging them to grow in their Christian faith while also enjoying a fun-filled week of camp activities such as archery, swimming and kayaking, as well as arts and crafts and personal worship times. And of course, she got to teach the girls a lot of silly camp songs and perform in crazy skits. The enduring camaraderie between both campers and staff was a major source of pleasure in Melissa's life.

In her personal life Melissa enjoyed many pursuits, including baking and cooking, gardening, kayaking, hiking and camping among other interests. She was a capable artist working in several media over the years, and she enjoyed blessing her friends and family with the fruits of her creations and especially with the gift of her time. Her greatest passion, however, always was serving her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She studied the bible diligently and continually sought to apply its truths in her life on a daily basis. She always would be the first to admit that she was not perfect and was ever in need of a loving savior, but she never ceased trying to become as Christ-like as possible in her attitudes and actions. She lived her life as simply as she could, without putting on airs or seeking wealth or power, and she sought to live her life "deeply and meaningfully" by pursuing personal holiness in every aspect of her life.

Melissa is survived by her husband Todd Miller of Rome, Maine, a son Ethan and a daughter Lydia also of Rome, her father Leo 'Butch' Rodgers of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, her brother Keith Rodgers and his family of Barnesville, Pennsylvania, as well as numerous other relatives in Pennsylvania and Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her mother Suzanne Schock Rodgers of Barnesville, Pennsylvania, her grandparents Peter and Ella Rodgers of Barnesville, and Elmer and Rita Schock of Barnesville, as well as numerous other relatives.

The public is invited to attend a celebration of joy for Melissa Miller's life on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the Faith Church of Waterville, 250 Kennedy Memorial Drive, at 11:00 am.

The family suggests that donations in honor of Melissa may be directed to: The Girls Camp at Farmington, c/o The Farmington Conference Center, P.O. Box 148, West Farmington, ME 04992.

Arrangements are Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home 8 ELm St. Waterville. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Miller family.