Charliece J. Miller
February 10, 1930 – December 4, 2020
A service for Charliece will be held at a future date when it is safer for all to gather and share their memories. Memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, 185 W Fifth St, Constantine, MI 49042.
Obituary
Charliece Jane Miller passed away at the age of 90 on December 4, 2020, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born in Constantine, Michigan, to Charles and Bernice (nee Greene) Raudman on February 10, 1930. Until moving to Kalamazoo in 2008, Charliece spent most of her life in Constantine where three generations of her family had lived. She graduated from Constantine High School in 1948. In the fall of that year, on September 18th, she married Lloyd F. Miller at Messiah Lutheran Church. Charliece was a devoted wife and mother, living many happy years on the banks of the St. Joseph River, where she and Lloyd raised four children together. Lloyd preceded her in death on February 5, 1984. Charliece was a long-time member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Constantine where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and served as Sunday School Superintendent. In addition to those roles that she enjoyed at church, she served as President of the Constantine Women’s Club and was a Girl Scout leader. Her other interests included gardening, cooking (her Sunday fried chicken was the best), decorating for holidays, especially Christmas, and listening to Lloyd play piano. Everyone was made to feel welcome when they entered her home, and no one left hungry. Preceding her in death was her husband, Lloyd, and her son, Terry. Her parents, her sister, Jeanne, and her brother, John, also left this earth before her. Surviving are daughters, Penny Best, Cathy Kielau and Gale Miller; grandchildren Amber Best (Brian Belles), Chad Thomas (Derrick), and Chianne Sakoda (Chris); great-grandchildren Luke, Violet, Rosalie, and Daisy; niece, Barbara McFadden Brasher, and several cousins.
Charliese was fondly known as Grandma Miller in our home. A loving person, she will be greatly missed. May God receive her in his restful arms.
My condolences to you all. Cathy, Chad, Chi and the rest of your family. She was a sweet lady, always had a smile on her face.
You left quite a legacy in the community. I remember several people saying how wonderful it was to come to the Miller house. It was wonderful to come to your house. I’m not just biased because you were my actual grandmother, but your place was always safe, and I could ALWAYS be me. You recognized that long before I did, before much of the family and it was just simply ok with you. You were a safety net, a great cuddle buddy, the humorous entertainer and the one to start sharing music with. Your passing is the hardest thing I will deal with until my husband passes, not to say there won’t be other challenges. I thought for sure I would have to be locked away when you left. I know you want me to be strong. I will be, because of how much I love you…and always will. Plus how much you love me. You are looking over me always with Grandpa at your side. I’m sure Terry will peek in rather often, lol 🙂
I am so sorry for your families loss! I enjoyed Christmas Caroling for her with other members of Messiah. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! Deb (Gloy) Hart.
News of your death, even though it is years back, saddens me. I spoke with you a very few times several years back when another cousin, Helen Ann, Henrietta’s daughter, sent along your number to me. In reading the comments in the guestbook, I can see how loved and respected you were. It is my loss that we never knew each other. My father, Joseph, was your mother’s full sibling. Joe loved your mom and all his sisters and brothers. I only visited Constantine once in 1956 when I was 9. It was a brief visit and you likely were there along with your mom and other family members to greet us. The Greene family was spread across the country and without the advantages of cell phones, social media and all, it was difficult to stay in touch and abreast of each other’s family. Even now, my son is in Norway, and my siblings are in Texas and Virginia, while I live in California. My condolences to your children and grandchildren. You were a fine mother, grandmother and a special human being.