Mildred Ilene Miller passed away on May 30th, 2020 with family surrounding her. She was born on her parents’ ranch northwest of Maxwell to Harry and Minnie (Geise) Sukraw on June 17th, 1933. She grew up and attended school in Maxwell where was a cheerleader, Glee Club soloist and pianist. She graduated from Maxwell High School in 1952.
As a member of the Parkview Nazarene Church in North Platte, she began playing the piano for Sunday School and church services at the age of 14 and continued to play either the piano or organ for 74 years. She directed many children’s programs, choirs, and musicals. She played for numerous weddings and funerals and it was a joy to serve others. She was also the president of the Nazarene Missionary society, a group that made many quilts that were sent to foreign and domestic missionaries as well as those close by in need.
On November 23, 1952 Ilene married the love of her life Darold Miller. They spend their first year in Pittsburg, PA. where Darold was stationed as an army corporal. Upon discharge, they returned to the Maxwell area and farmed for 60 years. Here, they had four children. Ilene leaves behind her husband Darold Miller of 67 years, daughter Christy Stevens of McCook, son Bruce (Billie) of Loveland, CO, son Ivan (Leah) of Maxwell, Sharon Cooley (boyfriend-Donnell Rose) of Brady, NE. Ilene has 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Preceded in death Daniel Stevens (son-in-law) and Kaylan Fecht (great granddaughter). Brothers; Harold, Paul & Quinten Sukraw, sisters; Alice Wilson and Margaret Wade.
Ilene organized the Hill and Valley Extension Club and was a member for over 50 years. She was a master gardener with beautiful flowers and vegetables which filled the cellar and freezer every winter. She was an excellent seamstress and made most of her family’s clothes throughout their young years. She also managed their Pioneer Seed Corn business for 20 years. She was a great example of the Proverbs 31 woman.
But the real love of her life was sharing her faith and love of God. She would express it by giving of herself in time, preparing and giving food, teaching Sunday School classes, and sharing in organizing her husband’s many ministries.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Maxwell High School Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral service will be live-streamed on Adams and Swanson’s Funeral Home Facebook page.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, 1:30 P.M., June 6, 2020, at Parkview Church of the Nazarene with the Reverend James Trippett, and Jim Sukraw officiating. Burial will follow at Plainview Cemetery, Maxwell, NE. Visitation will be 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. Friday with the family receiving friends 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.