Olen V. Miller

Olen V. Miller, 86, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 5, 2026.

 

Olen was born to Valentine and Sylvia (Bontrager) Miller on September 9, 1939, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was the fifth of ten children and grew up on a large dairy farm, where he learned a strong Amish work ethic and the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity. He enjoyed playing softball as a young man. 

 

Olen met his wife, Velma (Headings) Miller of Plain City, Ohio, in 1960 while they were both in Sarasota, Florida. They were married in 1962 at United Bethel Mennonite Church in Plain City. In their first year of marriage, they moved to Cincinnati, where Olen worked as an orderly at Christ Hospital, fulfilling 1-W service, while Velma worked as a secretary.

 

They eventually returned to Plain City, where Olen began a career in carpentry. Together, Olen and Velma raised seven children and opened their home and hearts to many foster children throughout the years. During their time in Plain City, the family were members of Sharon Mennonite Church.

 

Olen was a faithful follower of Jesus and a man of integrity, good natured and known for his gentle and caring heart. He loved his family deeply and found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren.

 

In 1989, Olen and Velma moved to Sarasota, Florida, where they began attending Bethel Mennonite Church and have been members ever since. Olen continued his carpentry business and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends in the area.

 

Although Olen spent his final years living with dementia, his gentle spirit and quick smile never left him. Those who knew him will remember his kindness, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and the love he had for his family.

 

Olen was preceded in death by his parents, Valentine and Sylvia (Bontrager) Miller; siblings Ernest Miller, Eli (and the late Mary) Miller, Elvin (and the late Annie) Miller; Ray Miller, brother-in-law Leroy (Sarah) Miller; son Dwayne (Renee) Miller; and grandsons Daniel and Hunter. 

 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Velma; children Mike (Davonne) Miller, David (Joyce) Miller, daughter-in-law Renee (Dwayne) Miller, Bryan (Sharlene) Miller, Pam (Phil) Nicholson, Colleen (Matt) Showalter, and Collette (Davy) Slabaugh; 24 grandchildren: Brandon, Danae, Seth (Taylor), Japheth, Micah, Ethan, Layla, Julia, Matthew (Jessica), Trenton, Colton, Dustin, Chelsae, Emily, Sasha, Joshua (Jewel), Clay, Isaac, Nava, Kenna, Sabrina (Michael), Chad, Connor (Hannah), and Alinea; 5 great-grandchildren: Harrison, Wesley, Remi, Magdalena, and McKenzie. He is also survived by siblings Sarah (and the late Leroy), Val Jr (Rosie) Miller, Amos  (Freidgart) Miller, Anna Miller, Martha (John) Mast, Lavern (Dorcas) Miller and nieces and nephews. 

 

A funeral service will be held Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church. A private burial will take place with family prior to the funeral service. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m.

 

Olen’s life was a testimony to his faith in Jesus, his love for his family, and his commitment to living with kindness and integrity. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.