Shirley Ann (Hutchinson) Miller

Shirley Ann Miller, 88, formerly of Strodes Mills, Lewistown, entered Heaven at 11:52 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024, at William Penn Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Lewistown.

Born Nov. 29, 1935, in Lewistown, she was a daughter of the late Max Hutchinson and Alice (Bodenschatz) Hutchinson Smith and stepdaughter of the late R. Leroy Smith.

In addition to her parents and stepfather, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard P. Miller, whom she married June 14, 1955, and shared 66 years of marriage with before his passing on May 12, 2022; sister, Betty Lawson; nephews, Curtis and Robert Lawson; and stepbrothers, Joseph and Ross Smith.

Shirley is survived by:  four children, Kimbra A. Napier and husband, Thomas E. Sheaffer, of Lewistown, Brian L. Miller and wife, Yvonne “Yonnie”, of Millersburg, Lisa K. Marker and husband, Steven, of Reedsville, and Karen S. Goodman, of Ephrata; 13 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Kendra Fonash and husband, Stephen, Kara Kauffman and husband, Tyler, Alexa Zakaszewski and husband, Ivan, Kyle Miller and wife, Claire, Ryan Marker and fiancée, Megan Yellets, Emily Petersen and husband, Ryan, Shawn Marker and wife, Kara, Joshua Goodman and wife, Nicole “Nikki”, and Alicia Davies and husband, Ryan; Preston Bergey and wife, Bridget, and Eric Sheaffer, Melissa Kauffman, and Jennifer Sheaffer and fiancé, Kristian Bulick; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nephews, nieces, and cousins; brother, William Hutchinson and wife, Paula, of McVeytown; brother-in-law, Ralph Miller and wife, Beverly, of Burnham; and lifetime friends and neighbors, John and Tracy Williams, of Strodes Mills.

She was a graduate of Lewistown Joint High School, Class of 1953.

Shirley was a lifetime, devoted member of Lake Park United Methodist Church, was church treasurer for 47 years until 2021, church pianist and choir director, a member of the church council and finance committee, and kitchen helper.  Shirley was a member of the Senior Bowling League and through the years, volunteered to tutor several adult students in learning to read.  As her children were growing up, she was a member and treasurer of the Lewistown Band Boosters and often worked in the concession stand.  She enjoyed tending to her beautiful flower beds, reading fiction novels and working jigsaw puzzles.  Shirley was an excellent cook and especially loved holidays and family events and preparing holiday meals.  There was always room for anyone at the table.  

Best known as the “Lunch Lady” at Strodes Mills Elementary School, she was the cashier at the school cafeteria for 37 years and knew three generations of students, teachers, co-workers and their families before retiring.

Shirley and husband, Richard, dearly loved their family, visits from their many grandchildren, and their church family.  They lived their lives serving the Lord and honoring His ways, working hard, and gently guiding their children through life.

A special heartfelt and loving thanks to all of Shirley’s caregivers and the staff at William Penn Healthcare.  For over three years, you have been a Godsend to Shirley and our family, and words seem inadequate to convey the love and respect we have for what you do.  Shirley was happy there and loved all of you, and her days were always bright because of you.  We deeply appreciate the compassion and companionship you provided.

A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Woodlawn, 200 North Main Street, Lewistown, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Randy Traxler officiating.

Interment will take place at Juniata Memorial Park, Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to William Penn Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Attn: Activities Fund, 163 Summit Drive, Lewistown, PA 17044, or to a charity of one’s choice.   

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