Arbutus Melissa Miller

Arbutus “Artie” Miller of Midland, Michigan, formerly of Saginaw

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully at her home in Midland on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. She was 91 years old. Arbutus Melissa Ordway was born on September 2, 1931, in Owosso, Michigan, to the late Harry and Mary (VanLuven) Ordway. She was a 1950 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. Artie met the love of her life, Arthur “Art” Miller, while in high school. Their love story began when Art yelled “Hey Ordway!” at the Brockway Roller Rink. They fell in love and were united in marriage on December 13, 1952; he preceded her in death on February 29, 2012.  Artie was a dedicated, supportive and protective wife, mother and grandmother, leaving her children with many stories to tell.  Above all, she was steadfast in her faith and loved her church.  Art and Artie were longtime faithful members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Saginaw. Artie was an excellent storyteller and writer, using her extraordinary imagination to captivate her children by telling and writing various poems and stories. She was an exceptional cook and baker and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and her dogs, Lucy and Murphy. Artie enjoyed going to the casino and playing bingo.  She loved country music, especially Johnny Cash, and she was a movie buff who collected “shoot ‘em upper” movies as she called them.  Through the eyes of her children and her brothers, she was the most loving, devoted and supportive role model in our lives.

Surviving are two daughters and one son: Deb Watkins of Bay City; Kelly (Victor) Finch of Midland; and Steve (Vicki Bierlein) Miller of Freeland; five grandsons: Justin (Marissa) Watkins of Bay City; Cody (Nichole) Watkins of Saginaw; Matthew Finch of Midland; Alec Finch of Midland; and Steven Miller of Freeland; a great-granddaughter, Eva Watkins; a brother, Gary (Judy) Ordway; a sister, Barbara Bauer; a brother-in-law, Ronald (Lois) Miller; and sister-in-law, Lois Miller. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and a special caregiver, Samantha Phipps.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Miller; a son, Mike Miller; two brothers: Harry Ordway and David Ordway.

A Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 3412 Crestmont Drive. Rev. Michael Wilke will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road on Friday, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.