Obituary of Eleanor A. Miller

Eleanor A. "Miss Ellie" Miller, 87, of State College, died Sunday, February 5, 2017, at home surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. Born September 21, 1929 in Altoona, she was the daughter of the late Marion and Helen V. Hoch Swovick. She married Stanley Michael Miller, on February 19. 1949, in Altoona, who preceded her in death on November 16, 2006. She is survived by four children, Robert M. Miller and his wife, Beth of Allentown, Mary Ann Amato and her husband, Michael of State College, Susan M. Conway and her husband, Edward of Bellwood, and Kathy J. Miller of State College; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Edwin Swovick and her beautiful daughter, Sharon Miller, who passed away in 1999. Miss Ellie graduated from Altoona Catholic High School in 1947; she was a glamorous young lady and never thought of herself as that. She married the love of her life, Stanley, and always referred to herself as "Mrs. Stanley Miller." That says it all, she always thought of everyone else and never herself except when bringing shopping bags inconspicuously in from her car so Stanley wouldn't see them. Miss Ellie was the rock for her 5 children and worked tirelessly to provide an education for all her children, especially for her two deaf children. She provided her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with so much love. She was the hostess with the mostest. Whether she was entertaining in her home, at a Penn State Football game, or on her boat "The Miss Ellie", she put on a spread; a veteran Penn State Tailgator, motorhome and all! She traveled the world with her husband, which included climbing the Great Wall of China and two Super Bowl games! Her second home was in Daytona Beach, FL where she loved taking long walks on the beach and watching the ocean. She enjoyed swimming so much that Stanley referred to her as "Esther Williams." Miss Ellie was the first person in her family to have a laptop and was very tech-savvy. She was so proud of making cards on her computer for loved ones and friends for all occasions. She also enjoyed golfing; especially the outfits! Miss Ellie loved to dance and in the last few years so enjoyed dancing to Dean Martin, Herb Alpert, Santana, and Ricky Martin in her ninety-degree swimming pool. Her love of animals was truly acknowledged; sometimes she had up to 4 dogs big and small showing their affection. Miss Ellie was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and always sought a Catholic education for her children; she was a true woman of faith and used her faith in all that she did. In addition to being a loving wife, mother and homemaker, she worked for Commercial Credit in Altoona, assisted with her husband's business, Stan Miller Ford Lincoln Mercury, Inc. in State College until retirement in 1991. Visitation will be from 3-6 PM on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 10, 2017 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Father Antony officiating. Burial will be private in Centre County Memorial Park at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA 16801 and Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Hwy, Centre Hall, PA 16828.The family would like to thank Miss Ellie's caregivers, Deb, Maryfrances, Rebecca and Star; and Home Nursing Agency Hospice for all their loving care. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.