Dorothy H. Miller

CASTALIA — Dorothy H. Miller, 92, of Castalia, passed away Sept. 10, 2021, at Providence Care Center, Sandusky, following a brief illness. Born June 20, 1929, to August and Anna Bruckner Gysan, Dorothy Helen Gysan was raised on a small celery and potato farm in Margaretta Township, just outside of Castalia, where the Castalia State Fish Hatchery now resides. As a child, she remembered working hard, watching the beehives for her father and hoeing and weeding. She would always laugh thinking how slowly she and her siblings walked back from school to delay the start of their chores. She was extremely proud of her brothers who all proceeded her, Rev Augie, Walt, Dick, Bob, Howard, Carl 'Cookie' and her only sister, Ruth Weisz. Three additional brothers passed in infancy. She spoke fondly of her time "down home" singing her favorite family hymn "Bringing in the Sheaves". Dorothy graduated from Margaretta High School in 1947. She was one of the few remaining graduates and attended all her recent reunions, cherishing her time with each and every classmate. Following high school, she briefly attended Capital University in Columbus, returning home because she missed her family. Her brother Carl introduced her to Curtis Miller, a local dairy farmer, at a barn dance. They enjoyed many square dances together and would often laugh how Curt had to oil the back door to prevent it from squeaking so Dorothy wouldn't be in trouble for coming in late. They were married on March 29, 1952, celebrating 60 years of marriage before he passed in 2012. Dorothy and Curt were blessed with four children and their spouses, Pastor Tim and Barb Miller of Williamsburg, Iowa, Stan and Sheree Miller of Sandusky, Brenda and Jack Ried of Castalia and Debbie and Jay Cordoba of Albany, Georgia, all surviving them. God also gifted them 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren whom they loved beyond measure. In addition to raising a farm family, Dorothy worked as a bus aide for Sandusky City Schools, retiring in 1994. She loved her students along with all her friends at the bus garage! Dorothy thrived on her gatherings with both family and friends. Whether she was playing cards, dart ball, bingo, picking grapes, dancing, singing "All I Want for Christmas is a Set of Teeth" or just plain flirting with her many "boyfriends," she had a zest for life that was contagious. But, above all, she loved her Lord. She wasn't afraid to ask, "Where do you go to church?" Or, "Why haven't you been in church?" The faith that she and dad passed on to our family is the greatest gift they've given us. Dorothy was baptized, confirmed and married Curt at Zion Lutheran, Sandusky. But after marrying, Trinity Lutheran, Venice, became her new church home and family. Words can't express how grateful we are for the love and support we've received from our faith family, our numerous friends, Hospice and especially the first-line caretakers of Providence Care and the Lutheran Memorial Home. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia and from 9 a.m. until the time of services, at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 502 Bardshar Road, Sandusky. Rev. Ralph Schibler and Pastor Tim Miller will officiate, and burial will be in Castalia Cemetery. Those wishing to contribute to Dorothy's memory may do so to Trinity Lutheran Church, 502 Bardshar Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870. Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting ransomfuneralhome.com.