Geneva Merle Stansell Miller

Geneva Merle Stansell Miller had a change of address recently. She now resides in her new home as of June 21, 2017, when she left this earthly home in Midland, Texas, to be with her Lord. She died at the age of 90 years, 1 month, and 21 days.

Merle was born on May 1, 1927 near Paris, TX to Charles and Ruby Stansell, and was one of two children. Her family moved to Snyder, TX at age five, where she graduated High School in 1944. Times were hard then, so she began working at the Ben Franklin Five and Dime store at age 13. Merle was later employed as a legal secretary by Judge H. J. Brice, Geologist, From there, she came to Midland, TX in 1945 to marry her husband of 59 years, Robert Leslie Miller. Robert was stationed at Midland Army Air Field Bombardier School where he served until honorably discharged in 1946. It was during this time that Merle was employed as a secretary by Robert Impt, Geologist, until the birth of her first child, Merlene.

Merle had several hobbies that she enjoyed through the years, one of which was a Ceramic Shop, which she ran for ten years. She then opened “Porcelain Treasures”, a doll shop, for another ten years, through which she made numerous friends. Those who knew her said you couldn’t be around her very long before she began telling about her Lord and her love for Him.

Merle enjoyed raising flowers and fruit trees. She thanked God for His beautiful creations and the plentiful baskets of fruit she reaped. She always shared with any and everyone who wanted her produce.

Her latest passion was creating and decorating Christmas ornaments for her daughter, granddaughter, and a few special friends. Merle eventually decorated over 800 beautiful ornaments encrusted with beads, sequins, and jewels, to be shared and remembered for years to come.

The family began attending church in 1948. Merle accepted Christ as her Savior in 1949. They became members of Kelview Heights Baptist Church on Easter Sunday of 1964, where they served faithfully for many years. She was the original “Sunday School Superintendent” and enjoyed and appreciated all the teachers who worked with her. She also conducted the first Vacation Bible School held there.

Merle’s second family came into her life in 1942. Louise Stansell was her Step-mother who was much loved because she loved Merle unconditionally. Thelma Garner and husband, Eugene, of Waco, TX and David Stansell were all a part of this extended family.

Merle was preceded in death by her loving Grandparents, Grandpa and her sweet, loving Grandmother, Sarah Elizabeth Simpson of Snyder, TX. Her parents were Charles and Ruby Simpson Stansell of Midland, TX. Merle’s sweet, beautiful daughter, Merlene Miller Vines of San Angelo, TX, left this life at age 32, leaving her husband, Lonnie Vines, and children, Carrie and Michael.

Merle Leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Christy Miller Smith of Midland. In Merle’s own words - “She’s a sweet, most caring person and beautiful inside and out. She loves the Lord and has served Him faithfully. I could not expect anything more from her than that which she has given, as she cared for me the last years of my life. She always looked for ways to help and to show her love for me. Christy’s husband, Sidney K. Smith, has been a true friend and “son”. He has been most considerate of me and has loved me through these years. Christy and Sid’s “dog-child”, my “canine grandson”, Webster J. has been loyal and loving to me. He loved his “Grandmama”!

Other surviving family is a sister, Edith Clonts and husband, Jim, of Henderson, NV and their sons, Gerry Gill and wife Cheryl, and Jimmy Clonts and wife Michelle.

Merle has two precious Grandchildren, one of whom is Carrie Vines Beamer, and husband, Russ, of Leander, TX. She gave Merle her first Great Grandchild, Derek Swanson, of Austin, TX. In Merle’s own words, “Carrie has been a blessing, always caring for me, even though she did not live nearby. She has shown me love continually and came to visit whenever she was able. She always remembered special occasions with a surprise gift in the mail!”

Merle says, “My Grandson, Michael Lon Vines, has made me proud of his accomplishments in the business world. This is because he has always honored the Lord and served Him faithfully”. Michael’s wife, Dana, and their children, Merle’s Great Grandchildren are Emily, Jonathan, and Katherine, all of Charlotte, NC.

A grand Home-Going Celebration and Memorial service for Geneva Merle Miller will be held at Kelview Heights Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Jeff Franklin. This service is pending.

In lieu of floral arrangements, Merle requested that each friend in attendance bring a single stem to be placed in a vase at the Celebration. This is a “symbol of a special relationship with special friends”.

The family wishes to thank Merle’s kind and caring physicians who did all they could to help her through this hard time in her life. “Thank you” to Dr. Michael Miller for going above and beyond to not only help her and make it easier, but for being there to support Sid and Christy in difficult decisions. Many thanks to Dr. David Ferguson for his gracious care, support, and many difficult explanations, and to Dr. Robert Vogel for his kind care. They gave their best through this stage of her life and supported us both physically and spiritually.

We could never express our sincere gratitude adequately to Merle’s many caregivers at ContinueCare Hospital -West Campus. We have never experienced such love, care, loyalty, and complete COMPASSION! These loving people met her every need and beyond. Some sang to her, played Christian music for her, and prayed with her and for us. Others read Scripture to her and cried with us. We are proud and honored to call them “family”. Just a few of these precious heroes who have traveled this long journey with us are: Amber, Carol, Lacy, Charles, Justin, Phoebe, Tammy, Esther, Annie, Lorene, Sharena, Keith, Denise, Dennis, Raul, Crystal, Melinda, Christi, Joey, Ubaldo, DeAnn, Eddie, Robyn, Sandy, Toya, Deanna, Mayra, and Reuben.

The family also wishes to extend special heartfelt thanks to all those who stood in the gap and lifted us up in prayer through this long and difficult time.

Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com

Arrangements under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, Midland, TX.