Ella Mae Miller

Ella Mae Miller, age 95 years of Bay City passed away on January 24, 2019. A life so beautifully lived, a heart so deeply loved, she was born in Unionville, MI on November 23, 1923 to Charles and Florence (Hutchinson) Gainforth. On May 3, 1941 Ella Mae married Arnold Miller of Bay City, who preceded her in death on February 16, 1995. During their marriage of 54 years, they were blessed with 3 children; Gary Miller, Karen (Don) Ferrio, and Keith Miller. Ella Mae worked for JC Penny Co. in Bay City for 25 years and retired in 1982. Ella Mae and Arnold enjoyed their retirement by traveling the country and spending winters in Florida. She especially enjoyed quilting, baking, and playing cards daily at Riverside Center where she met and enjoyed the company of many friends. Besides her children, the memory of Ella Mae will be carried on by her grandchildren, Marcia (Floyd) Huggard, Valerie (Rawden) Evans, Jennifer (Brian) Neville, Jeffry Ferrio, Andrea (Matthew) Berchert, Amy (Matt) Arnold, Kirk Miller and Sarah Miller; eleven great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and several close friends. She was preceded in death by son, Keith Miller; brothers, Elmer, Alford, Milford, Charles Jr., Emery, Orval, Harold, and Raphael "Ray" Gainforth; sisters, Mable Southgate, Martha Rigole, Olive Morris, Oral and Ethel Gainforth. At the request of Mrs. Miller cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at the Gephart Funeral Home. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Officiating will be Rev. Joseph Atchinson. Those wishing to offer a memorial gift are asked to consider the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.