It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Melva Jean (Vandervort) Miller, who went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the age of 92. Melva was born on April 9, 1932, in Newton, Kansas, the daughter of Franklin Burris Vandervort and Mabel Creta (Platner) Vandervort.
Melva was a woman of deep faith and was an active member of Linwood Nazarene Church and Country Acres Baptist Church for many years. She served in various capacities over the years, including Sunday school teacher, serving on church boards, missions, working in the nursery, and serving senior adults. It was during her time at Linwood that Melva found her calling and purpose of serving others through homebound ministries for the elderly and shut-ins. Whether through prayer, hospitality, or acts of kindness, her life was marked by a constant desire to share God's love with those around her.
Remarkably, in addition to all of these roles, Melva co-founded Kansas Science Suppliers alongside her husband to help make science supplies affordable to schools. They grew the business for over two decades, with Melva serving in the role of business and financial management.
A devoted wife to Neil for 70 years, their love and partnership were examples of dedication, support, and unbreakable commitment. Together they raised a family grounded in faith, love, and compassion. Melva found great joy in the company of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with her loved ones.
Throughout her life, Melva was known for her kind and generous spirit and, later in life, her quirky sense of humor (and perhaps a lack of filter at times). She had a unique gift of making others feel loved and valued, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her legacy of service, grace, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Melva was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Neil Miller; parents, Burris & Mabel; a grandson, Nicholas Maddox; a sister, Betty (John) Hickox; a brother, Frank (Florence "Flo") Vandervort; two sons-in-law, Richard Brettin and Carl Clark; and a great-grandson, Dean Maddox.
She leaves behind six children to cherish her memory: Cindy (Steve) Maddox, Kenton Miller, James Miller, Tamara Brettin (Clay) Hall, Kimberly Clark, and Tara (Tim) Cunningham, daughter-in-law Connie Kraus; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Melva’s funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Resthaven Mortuary Chapel; visitation will begin an hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest with her husband in Resthaven Gardens of Memory, Garden of Bruce Newton.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Cars For Charity Co., PO Box 782170, Wichita, Kansas 67278, which was founded by her husband's former student, Tom Devlin.
