Marian Miller Flemmer

On November 29th 2010, Marian Miller/Flemmer was ushered into the presence of the Lord at the age of 87.

She was born on July 15, 1923 in Huber Oregon to Alvin and Voila Whitmer, and had two sisters – Louise & Madge.

She married Robert Miller, January 28, 1949, and they found the Lord shortly after marriage (actually used to say the colicky first child – drove them to God and help). Thus, they both joined in a commitment to be Followers of Jesus and eventually full time ministry for the rest of their lives.

Mom was not only a committed, Mother, but a dedicated Pastor’s wife, as well as a “preacher” herself. They served as a Pastoral team for 23 years in Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver, Washington churches.

Her life as a Pastor’s wife and Mother was always busy with her children and church. She was always involved in the various local churches – preaching, teaching, leading singing and singing, counseling and hospitality – as there was always someone living in our home – someone they were ministering to or helping. At one point, we had church in our home – so people living with us, as well as the home being set up for church.

Mom had a great sense of humor. One of my cousins reminded me of the times Mom and her sister Madge would get together and how they would laugh until they cried. Mom loved to hurry thru dinners to get to the best part (as she called it) – dessert, that was if she had not instigated a “food fight”. She was a great cook, and like I mentioned we often had others sitting around our dinner table – sharing what we had.

Mom had three children, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Her youngest son – Bob and wife Kathy Miller, sons – Nick and Tony. Middle son – Roy and his wife Janice Miller, and oldest daughter – Mary Lou and her husband Dennis Judd, daughter – Sheila Elwell, her husband Ryan Elwell and children – Jordan, Justin and Megan.

After the death of her first husband, she married Adolph Flemmer and together they continued in ministry – evangelizing, conducting Revivals – singing, preaching and passing out tracks. They were involved in the local churches in Lodi, CA, Nampa, Idaho and Tulare, CA. Mom would often sing “One Day at a Time” and either she or Adolph would preach and many found the Lord thru their travels. They would witness to whoever would listen – never bashful about telling people about Jesus.

She gained 6 step-children, wives and husbands, children and grandchildren, from this marriage and loved them one and all – Lowell, Lauren, Lana, Leon, Laurie, and Leslie.

Mom was known as a woman of faith, a woman of prayer – a mighty prayer warrior. Her family was always in her prayers. She could be heard praying and calling out to God at all times about all things – praying and believing God for miracles. Nothing was impossible and Mom knew how to pray. She would often go around the house rebuking the devil and you never knew if she was talking to you.

One of her favorite scriptures was Romans 8:28 and she would often just say…”And we know…”. “and we know…” “and we KNOW”. Till you started believing ALL things would work together for good --- because she KNEW and we KNEW, God was in charge of it all.

She was bold about witnessing and was involved in numerous soul winning classes and always shared the hope she had with others – anyone, anywhere and anytime could be asked? “Do you know Jesus?” “Or are you going to heaven?” She had a passion for the lost, and won many to the Lord through her personal one-on-one testimony, her desire to share with them, the best friend she had – Jesus. Numerous times she received an award for distributing the most tracks in a year – as one way or the other, if Mom was around – you were going to hear about Jesus. That was why her room mate at the hospital receiving the Lord on her death bed – within an hour of Mom’s home-going, would have been the way Mom wanted to go. One more soul before I go.

Some of her favorite expressions that she would often say to us kids: “Remember who you are” – You are special, you are a Christian, - don’t forget that. And “Be Alert”. I always wondered about that one, but knowing how Mom would start a scripture and expect you to finish it (And we know), I’m sure the “Be Alert, was… “Be Alert, because your adversary, the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” “Be Alert, Keep your guard up, don’t let the enemy destroy you.”

She had a saying, and it was up in her home and in her room – “I have no greater joy, than that my children walk in truth”. That was her biggest concern and prayer – that her children serve the Lord, and make Heaven – Stay Alert, and Remember who they were. That was to her Children, Her Grandchildren, and her Great-Grandchildren. No greater joy than that you walk in truth, that I can see you in Heaven.

Mom lived the last 5 years at Mary Adult Family Home. A home where she was loved and well-cared for. Mary became her second daughter, and my sister. Mom loved to tell her husband to be alert, and of course her other favorite expression, when asked how she was: “could be better, could be worse.” Mary and her husband loved Mom, and did everything for her. Infact Mary’s husband often fed Mom, when she could no longer feed herself. We had church a couple times a week at Mary’s and right up until the last year Mom would sing and pray to the top of her voice in praise to the one she loved the most. One of the last songs she sang with us was “When we all get to Heaven.”

Mom loved her Saviour and for the last 7 years has longed to go home. Almost daily while living with us, she would say: “It won’t be long, I’m going to heaven soon.” When the boys would come to visit, we would often cry during the singing, or on our way to the airport – cause Mom so wanted to go, she was so ready to go, we truly believed with her – it could be today!

This world was not her home. She truly was only passing by. Her treasure and her hope was all up in the sky. She longed for Heaven and Jesus.

Mom loved the Lord, was used by the Lord, and now is at home with her Lord. At rest, no more pain, no more confusion, no more trouble breathing and working with a tired and worn out heart. She now has a new body – walking again, smiling again and I know her and Dad are waiting at the gate for all of us to join them. He’s coming soon and we want to join them in Heaven – Together Forever.

She is saying to her family – Bob & Kathy, Nick, Tony, Roy & Janice, Dennis & ML, Ryan & Sheila, Jordan, Justin and Megan – “I have no greater joy than that each of you walk in truth, “ walk according to the calling you have, be Faithful to the One who loves you, who died for you, and I will meet you on the other side – Soon and very soon, I’ll see you over on the other side.” Nothing is worth missing Heaven for – nothing.

Arrangements under the direction of Powers Funeral Home, Puyallup, WA.