Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
PIERCETON – Esther Miller, 104, celebrated her birthday a few months late at Pierceton Presbyterian Church Sunday.
Pastor Rob Neel said Miller’s birthday is in February and she doesn’t get out in the winter. The church knew they had to get her to the church to celebrate when the weather was nice. Since September was about the halfway point, “let’s just say it’s her 104-and-a-half-years-old birthday party” and celebrate her birthday while she can make it, he said.
Neel had Miller pick her favorite hymns for the congregation to sing during Sunday morning’s church service.
Afterward, attendees sang to Miller and had a potluck lunch and cake in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
Miller was born in February 1922 in Whitley County. She has lived in Pierceton since 1957. Niece Kay Dubois said Miller is the youngest of three girls.
She made parts for airplanes during World War II. In 2020, Miller made face masks during the Covid pandemic.
Miller also worked at Arnold’s for 24 years.
She was married to her husband, Wayne, for 43 years and they have two children and four grandchildren. At 104, she still drives herself.
When asked about memories about her aunt growing up, Dubois said Miller was always in the kitchen and she was always a pleasure.
“I just remember this slender, busy lady in the kitchen cooking,” she said.
She has gone to Pierceton Presbyterian since 1993. She’s been part of the women’s group in the church.
Miller thought it was wonderful and overwhelming the church put on the celebration for her.
