Shirley L. (Moran) Miller

Shirley L. (Moran) Miller, 87, of Russiaville, ran into the arms of Jesus on Friday, February 21, 2025, with her son and daughter in law by her side.  Shirley was born on August 19, 1937, in Fairmont, West Virginia to her parents, Elbert Moran & Edith (Radcliff) Kann. She married her first husband, Wayne Edward Hill, in 1956.  They had two wonderful children together, Tim & Rene, before he passed away in 1960 at the young age of 22.  In April of 1961, Shirley married George C. Miller.  They had one son together, Troy, sharing 48 years of marriage before he passed away in 2008.

Shirley attended Kingmont High School in West Virginia. She was a devoted member of Honey Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Russiaville for many years until she was no longer able to attend.  Shirley had unwavering faith in her Lord and savior.  She tragically lost two of her children, Troy in 1987 and Rene in 2019, and when most people would have questioned why, she held strong to her faith that God had a reason for taking them from her too soon.  She mourned their loss every day; can you imagine the reunion they shared when she was welcomed home?  Shirley knew the power of prayer and she was a dedicated prayer warrior for many people in her life.

Shirley was a homemaker, taking great pride in her home.  She enjoyed cleaning and making sure everything had a place.  She was a wonderful cook; her breakfasts were the best!  Her homemade biscuits and cornbread were mouthwateringly delicious. Shirley loved to watch the Cajun cook, Justin Wilson, on television and try out his recipes. She made beautiful, layered cakes that she loved to serve to guests that came by for a visit.  She really loved nothing more than to chat to anyone that would lend an ear; whether it was family, a neighbor, or a stranger, although they weren’t a stranger for long.  She loved a good piece of gossip, but then again, who doesn’t.  Shirley always had a good story to tell.  When you were talking with her, she had a way of making you feel special; she was great at giving you her undivided attention. 

Shirley was the type of person that wore a beaming smile for others.  She was naturally funny, always very expressive and making faces when she spoke.  Her warm disposition made everyone that came across her path feel welcome and loved.  In Shirley’s free time she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, sewing, making gorgeous quilts, sunbathing in her younger years, and working her crosswords.  She always looked forward to shopping trips and dinners with Liz; one of her favorite places to go was Cracker Barrel so she could do both at the same time! She had a deep love for veterans, recognizing their sacrifices to the country.  She was especially proud of her family that served in the armed forces; her son Tim, granddaughter Rachelle, grandson-in-law Brook; and brother Elbert.  She proudly flew the American flag every day in honor of their service. When she was no longer able to drive, she donated her car to veteran that was in need of a car. 

Shirley had a warmness about her that not many possess. Her hugs were the best, always full of love.  She will be greatly missed.

Those left to carry on Shirley’s legacy of love is her son, Timothy (Melody) Hill; grandchildren, Rachelle (Brook) Wells, Sarah (Dave) Taylor, Jason (Jessica) Goughnour, Zachary (Sarah) Miller, Joshua (Amanda) Sterling; great grandchildren, Brooklyn Wells, Taylor Wells, Wyatt Taylor, Adeline Taylor, Ellie Taylor, Charlie Goughnour, Charlotte Goughnour, Caitlin Goughnour, Bridget Baumfalk, Elisabeth Baumfalk; sisters, Barbara Rowe, Kimberly (Bill) Thompson; brother in law, Preston Miller; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.  

Shirley was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Elbert Moran and Edith Kann; husband, George Miller; son, Troy Miller; daughter, Rene Sterling; sister, Melissa Miller; and brothers, Elmer Kann and Elbert “Moe” Moran. 

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 1:00PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home located at 314 N. Main Street in Tipton with Mark Maple officiating.  A visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 10:00AM - 1:00PM. Burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens in Kokomo.

Shirley’s family would like to extend a huge thank you to the wonderful care she was given by Compassus Hospice.  In leu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Shirley honor to Compassus Hospice.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Shirley’s family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Shirley with her family on her tribute wall.  

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