Clara May Miller
Clara May Miller, 103, of Black Lake, died at The Brook of Cheboygan Friday, November 16, 2018. Born in Clark Lake, May 2, 1915, Clara was the daughter of Perry and Lula (Sutfin) Wetherby.
After graduating from high school, Clara attended Michigan State College and earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics and domestic studies. At a time when very few women attended college, Clara was indeed a woman before her time. She went on to work managing a restaurant before she married Edward Miller in East Lansing July 8, 1939. They made their home in Detroit where they lived for many years and spent 61 summers at Black Lake before making it their permanent home in 2000.
A skilled homemaker with a good eye for decorating, Clara made a warm and loving home for her family and made everyone feel like they had a special connection with her. She had an appreciation for fine table linens, an elegantly set table and wonderfully delicious cuisine.
She was an excellent cook and baker. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and homemade pies were a couple of her specialties, although she was forever trying new recipes. Clara May also had an appreciation for a good cup of coffee; she always enjoyed a hot cup of fresh brew.
Strong in her Christian faith, Clara read the Bible in its entirety and attended Bible study groups. She was a longtime member of Bushnell Congregational Church, attended the Congregational Church of Novi for many years, and then in later years St. Paul United Methodist Church in Cheboygan. She enjoyed doing cross-stitch, macramé and puzzles.
She lived to be 103 years old, but Clara was young at heart in her outlook on life and in her fashion sense right down to her Sketchers shoes. A gentle, caring lady who was friendly and congenial, Clara never had a bad word to say about anyone. This remarkable lady who was blessed with a long, healthy life will be sadly missed but the memories and stories of her years will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Clara leaves her daughter, Barbara (Joe) Gotz of Onaway; son, James (Beverly) Miller of Black Lake/Ann Arbor; grandchildren, Fred (Jennifer) Miller of Mt. Clemens, Alice (Chris) Bailey of Ann Arbor and Jennifer (Dennis) Renton of Leesburg, Virg
Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Edward A. Miller; granddaughter, Janet Gotz; brother, Lee Wetherby; and sister, Jean Verspoor.
Cremation arrangements are in care of the Chagnon Funeral Home. A service of celebration will be held May 4, 2019 at Waverly Township Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Clara May to The Brook of Cheboygan, 11965 Townline Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721.