Gayle Leone Miller

Gayle Leone (Applegate) Miller, a lifelong resident of Vicksburg, Michigan, passed away surrounded by her family in her home on November 17, 2021, at the age of 84. She was being lovingly cared for in her home by her devoted husband of 65 years. In addition, her granddaughter, Erin Gayle Miller, provided compassionate daily care which enabled her to remain in her own home. Gayle was born in Woodburn, Indiana on September 16, 1937, to Deoh and Emily Applegate. She graduated from the Battle Creek School of Nursing in 1957. Howard and Gayle met at Sherwood Free Methodist Church youth group and became high school sweethearts, marrying in 1956. Gayle served as a nurse at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie and Vicksburg Hospital. Gayle was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a passion for serving others - whether professionally in nursing, as a loyal friend or loved one, or in her local church. She was known as an avid baker and canner, a curious conversationalist, a mischievous prankster, a compassionate listener, and a devoted servant of the Lord. She loved card and board games alongside puzzles and craft projects. She and Howard spent many hours outside planting and enjoying flowers and watching birds. She instilled the importance of faith and family in all privileged enough to know her and call her friend or family. She will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Deoh and Emily Applegate, siblings Bob (Cleo) Applegate, Janette (Earl) Lee, and Marjorie (Bob) Mowry. Gayle is survived by her husband, Howard Wayne Miller; her brother, Aaron (Barb) Applegate; her children, Tim (Linda) Miller, Karen Miller, Laura (Dave) Crotser and Matt (Sue) Miller; her grandchildren, Sarah (Jeff) Day, Jacob (Misty) Miller, Emily Miller, Kacie (Patrick) Hook, Joe (Bekah) Miller, Erin, Daniel, Luke and Emma Miller; and five great grandchildren Angela, Korey, Sydney, Joslyn, and CJ Miller. In accordance with Gayle’s wishes, a public visitation will take place on Monday, November 22, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at McCowen and Secord Family Funeral Homes Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. A service will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at the Cross Community Church of the Nazarene, 5625 Oakland Drive, Portage, MI 49024 with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Gayle will be laid to rest later that day at 3:00 p.m. at Sherwood Cemetery. Memorials in Gayle’s memory may be directed to South County Community Services or the Daily Bread Devotional. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and the links have been posted below for those wishing to donate online: https://southcountycs.com/donate/ https://secure.ourdailybread.org/planned-giving/#memorygiving While visiting Gayle’s tribute page please take a moment to light a candle or share a memory with the family. The Miller family is being assisted by McCowen and Secord Family Funeral Homes Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. 269-649-1697.

To watch the recording of her funeral service please follow the link below. The service begins at 27:00.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10-kkLeQnU9grysZPBSpmZoiSxDgxQvjf/view?usp=sharing