Obituary for Mary Miller

Ponca City Now - February 5, 2020 3:53 pm

Mary Miller

September 19, 1949 – February 3, 2020

Mary Ellen Miller, age 70, longtime resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away Monday, February 3, 2020 in Oklahoma City.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects on Wednesday from 5-8pm and Thursday from 8am-8pm with the family present to receive guests from 6-7pm. A ceremony to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at 10:00am, Friday, February 7, 2020 in the chapel at Trout Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Dick Robinson officiating. Following the ceremony, she will be laid to rest at the Sunset Memorial Park east of Ponca City in the Osage. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mary was born on September 19, 1949 to Lester Rueben Neal and Dorothy Jean Adams Neal in Arkansas City, KS. She was raised in Arkansas City and graduated from high school there. After high school, she attended Cowley County Community college and then Pittsburg State University and studied art. While she was in college, she met J. E. Miller and they were married on June 12, 1971 in Arkansas City. The family made their home in Ponca City where J.E. worked for his family’s grocery business. Mary embraced Ponca City and as her new home. During her time in Ponca City, Mary worked at various places including Milady’s clothing and as a teaching aide for special needs students at Roosevelt elementary. As well, she was a board member for Kids, Inc., and served as a commissioner for the American Softball Association, in addition to volunteering with Northern Oklahoma Youth Services. Mary had a kind compassionate, yet sassy way about her and was quick to come to the aid of any person or animal in need. She spent much time nurturing her foster children and rescued pets. Mary loved fiercely and especially enjoyed her time with her family.

Survivors include her husband J.E. of the home, daughters: Jamie Caldwell and husband Rod of Ponca City, Marley Miller and partner Dee Dee Marchesoni of Ponca City, Caroline Lowrey and husband John of Ft. Sill, OK, Ida Williams and husband Nathan of Shidler,OK, brother Jim Neal and wife Donna of Winfield. 15 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren, dog Pepper and a host of dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sister Leslie Latham, and grandson Kalem Marchesoni.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s School, 415 S. 7th St., Ponca City, OK 74601 or the Ponca City Humane Society, 900 W. Prospect, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home