JANE MILLER

ELIDA — Jane E. Miller, 80, of rural Elida, died at 8:50 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2016, at the Vancrest of Delphos Care Center follwoing an extended illness.

She was born April 25, 1935, near Gomer, the daughter of Claire and Elsie Holt Vandemark, who preceded her in death. On Feb. 4, 1956, she married Noah Thomas (Tom) Miller, who survives.

Also surviving are two children, Richard A. "Rick" Miller, of rural Elida, and Elaine (Galen) Troyer, of rural Elida; three grandchildren, Lynelle (fiance Matt Dues) Troyer, Shleby Troyer, and Casey Troyer; a sister, Louise (Charles) Altstaetter, of Cairo; a sister-in-law, Annabelle Vandemark, of Elida; in-laws Kenneth W. (Edith) Miller, of rural Elida, and Marie (William "Bill") Blymer, of rural Elida; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three siblings, Wilbur Vandemark, Homer Vandemark, and Dorothy Larimore.

Jane graduated in 1953 from Gomer High School and grew up working on the family farm. She was always very active in the Allen County 4-H program, as well as the Allen County Fair from its beginning on the streets of Delphos to present day at the Lima Fairgrounds. She met her husband, Tom, through 4-H activities. She continued her love for farm life by working alongside her husband after they married. In addition, she worked off the farm at Blubaugh's Service Master in Lima as a secretary and bookkeeper, retiring after more than 25 years there.

She was a 4-H advisor with the Allen County K-9 Club for 35 years. Her farm upbringing was evident in her love for all animals, and as her health declined she enjoyed watching and feeding the hummingbirds at her home. She was an accomplished seamstress and a master clothing educator through the Ohio State University Extension program, which allowed her to judge 4-H clothing projects in the surrounding counties. She was also a member of the Elida Young Farm Wives. She and Tom started and managed the Allen County Cattleman's Association food concession trailer at the fair. They are also very well known for their own food concession business, J & M Homemade Ice Cream, which traveled to the Allen, Auglaize and Logan county fairs as well as to many other local seasonal festivals. Her family is continuing this endeavor. Jane loved to garden, and canned or froze much of its produce for family use. She also loved music and participated in choral competitions during high school, and later led the congregational music as a member of Zion United Methodist Church for many years. Most recently, she was a member of Elida Immanuel United Methodist Church.

Services are at 11 a.m. March 26 at Elida Immanuel United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Bruce Tumblin and Dave Burkhart officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Delphos.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. March 25 and 10 to 11 a.m. March 26 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Elida or Apollo Education Association Scholarship funds or to the Allen County 4-H program.

Condolences may be expressed at tbayliff@woh.rr.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville.