William John Miller

William “Bill” John Miller of Ellport, 91, passed away on December 23, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. He leaves his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Catherine Paul, daughter Janine Graham (Jim), son Robin (Patty Power), son-in-law Bob McNutt, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. His daughter, Cherlyn McNutt, preceded him in death.
Born in Ellwood City on July 13, 1929, Bill lived his whole life here. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1948, he served in the US Army during the Korean War in Japan. Upon his return, he started his long career at the Ellwood City Forge. Always industrious, Bill supplemented his work at the Forge with many odd jobs, like driving a school bus and running his own wallpaper removal business.
Bill was a life-long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the Ellwood City Saxon Club. He faithfully served both the church and the club as a ready volunteer and leader, for example, serving many years on the Church Council.
In his spare time and in retirement, Bill had many hobbies. Along with Catherine, and other family members in his later years, he was an avid antique hunter and yard sale shopper. Colorful tobacco tins were his passion for a while. He was always on the lookout for a good bargain. In retirement, he focused on woodworking and wood crafts. He enjoyed making a simple-style nativity sets, Christmas trees, and small crosses. He and Catherine created very impressive wood-piece painted home pictures. Bill also enjoyed spending time on his son’s apple farm in Maryland.
While most of his generation has passed – his brother and sister, his six sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, all of their spouses, Bill will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Family and faith were always central to Bill’s life. He loved gathering and telling stories and jokes. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Claire, Cole, Erin, Kaylie, Leslie, Michael, Reid, and Tim. He always had a kind word for friends and strangers. Of late, nieces Beth Ann Wyszomierski and her husband Steve, Karen Schuller, and Paula Keitzer, were especially kind to Bill and generous with their time in taking him to appointments and craft sales.
A small private burial service was held on December 24. The family will hold a celebration of his life later in 2021, once it is again safe to gather in large groups. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to your favorite charity in his name.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City. Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.