Char Miller (Charlene Ray) (Schwartz), of Morrison, Tennessee and formerly of Warren, Indiana passed away on December 18, 2016 surrounded by family. Survived by husband Martin Miller; children: Keith (Cindy) Ray, Fanny (Will) Bruce, Micky (Jeff) Herr and Missy (Paul) Pfeiffer; grandchildren: Andrew (Mishe), Austin, Amanda (Elliott), Rachel, Brady, Isabel, Elowyn and Gabriel; sisters: Jody (John), Kathy, Gina (John), Bonnie, Raeanne (Chuck); brothers: Bill (Ellen), John, Jerry (Vonnie), and Rick; many nieces and nephews; dear friend and stepmother to her children: Nena Ray; and stepdaughter: Chris Miller. She was preceded in death by her mother: Johanna Duffy Schwartz, father: Raymond Schwartz, stepmother: Helen Schwartz, brothers: Robert (Ellen) and Raymond “Bud” (Mary) Schwartz, daughter-in-law: Connie Wilson Ray, Carl Ray, grandson: Clayton Herr and stepson: Kurt Miller.
Char was born in Springfield, OH, the daughter of Raymond and Johanna (Duffy) Schwartz. She was a giving big sister who lovingly cared for her younger siblings after her mother passed away at a young age. She graduated from Catholic Central High School in Springfield. She trained as an x-ray technician at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Springfield and remained dedicated to that profession for 44 years. She met Carl Ray at Mercy Memorial Hospital, married and moved to Warren, Indiana where they started their family. She raised four kids on her own in a vibrant and loving home filled with silliness and laughter. Memories of picnics, singing opera, and her grace walk will always bring a smile. Char married Martin Miller in 1990, living in Florida and later settling in Morrison, TN. She loved landscaping, flower gardening, reading (literally hundreds of books over the past two years), dancing, cooking, crafting of all kinds, playing games (particularly competitive at Scrabble), traveling, croquet, hiking, walks on the beach, pontooning, and Titans football. Family was everything to Char. Most of all, she delighted in hosting big family gatherings; carefully planned to ensure that everyone felt welcome, was well-fed and had a myriad of activities to choose from. Throughout her life, Char nurtured family ties. May she walk in grace.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 23, 2016 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Myers Funeral Home Huntington Chapel, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, Indiana.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 23, 2016 following visitation at 1:00 pm at the Myers Funeral Home Huntington Chapel.
Interment will be at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Marion, Indiana.
Memorial donations can be made out to Paralyzed Veterans of America in care of Myers Funeral Home, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, IN 46750.