April 24, 1935 - February 12, 2024
Entered eternity Monday, February 12, 2024.
“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” - St. Paul to the Philippians (1:21)
“Cliff” was born April 25, 1935 to Ralph and Stella Miller of Dayton, Ohio. He was the fourth of five children. He is survived by his brothers Elmer (Columbus, OH) and Meryl (Colon, MI), and predeceased by sisters Genevieve and Virginia .
Cliff’s life was forever changed in 1954 when he gave his life to Jesus Christ, and enrolled shortly thereafter at Cedarville Bible College to pursue pastoral ministry. While there, he met a nursing student, Mary Lou, in January of 1955 and they were married in December of that same year.
God blessed Cliff and Mary Lou with four children; Paul (Elsie) Miller of Three Hills, AB, Hannah (Paul) Gardner of Fairview, MI, Jonathan (Brenda) Miller of Calgary, AB, and Michael (Wendy) Miller of Green Bay, WI.
Blessings continued with ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Nathaniel Miller of Vancouver, BC, Timothy (Elizabeth, Milo, Mathis, Mika) Miller of Three Hills, AB, Joshua Miller of Edmonton, AB, Grace (Joshua, Mordecai) Centanni of Fairview, MI, Naomi (Timothy) Bruin-Slot of Petoskey, MI, Jacob (Carlos) Miller of Calgary, AB, Janelle Miller of Calgary, AB, Jonah Miller of Calgary, AB, Creed (Allie) Miller of Mesquite, TX, and Madeline Miller of Pensacola, FL.
In addition to pastorates in Grand Rapids MI, Willowick OH, Calgary AB, Kamloops BC, Thunder Bay ON, and Silver Bay MN, Cliff and Mary Lou served with Baptist Mid-Missions, Campus Bible Fellowship, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and International Student Ministries Canada. As a result of this life of ministry, many lasting relationships have developed over the years, and Cliff will be greatly missed by those to whom he ministered.
The final years of Cliff’s life were marked by significant health challenges. Mary Lou used her nursing skills to lovingly provide the utmost care for Cliff until his final moments when she laid him in the arms of Jesus. He often joked, “I knew I should marry a nurse!”
We would be remiss not to recognize the excellent care provided for Cliff by the emergency room staff and nurses from 3A at Sault Area Hospital. Our family is grateful for each of you who helped dad in his final hours with us.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be given to Algoma Residential Community Hospice or Gospel Opportunities Radio Network.
Friends and family are invited to visit First Baptist Church on Monday February 19, 2024 from 4:30 until time of service at 6:00 pm with Pastor James Thomas officiating. A reception will follow with an opportunity to share memories at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St E., 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com obituaries section to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.