Peggy Lou (Church) Miller

Peggy Lou (Church) Miller, 84, of Akron, OH (and Plymouth, IN) passed away peacefully at Miller’s Merry Manor in Plymouth early Tuesday morning, Feb 24, 2026. Peggy was born in Akron, Ohio, on September 1, 1941 to William H. Church and Hazel (Alexander) Church. Being the second of five children, memories of her time spent in Akron were fondly remembered over the years. The childhood years spent growing up on Trent Drive firmly bonded Peggy to her siblings: William E (Brenda) Church, Dianne Connor, Judy (Richard Hixson) Gates, and Donald (Bonnie) Church. Peggy grew up around the love and fellowship of her extended family and friends, many of whom spent time living at the family home.

Throughout the years, Peggy’s personal life included a focus on crafting. She had a God-given talent for many types of craft projects, including fiber arts, sewing, ceramics, stained glass, and a love for trying anything new. After graduating from Springfield High School in Akron, Peggy’s year of attending Manchester College in Indiana brought new friends and insights into her life. Professional life for Peggy was centered at the Akron Children’s Medical Center where she completed data processing while helping others with their IT problems for over thirty-five years. Working the overnight third shift is not usually enjoyed, but Peggy thrived on it – continuing that sleeping schedule well into her life after retirement.

After meeting through their siblings, Peggy married Theodore (Ted) A. Miller at the Springfield Church of the Brethren in Akron, Ohio on May 11, 1963. This marriage brought two wonderful children into this world: Mark Roger and Pamela Ann. It was Peggy’s attention to Mark, Pam, their friends, and her nieces and nephews that brought her such joy and sense of purpose. Numerous activities were completed and a myriad of adventures were taken with her children in tow, including: Fall Spree hiking, free Summit County Metro Parks events, and participating in YMCA Indian Maidens. When her children also journeyed to attend Manchester College with her encouragement, she became a pseudo-Mom to their friends – even being labeled as the Norfin Mom. Peggy and her mother Hazel would travel around Akron to find small trinkets and treats to put inside care packages for her children and the Norfins at MC. This showcased a huge love for Peggy – bargain hunting, which was her quiet way of sharing and showing love for others.

Peggy’s children also helped add to her loving family. Pamela married Todd Shafer in Plymouth, IN, in 1992 and brought grandchildren into Peggy’s life – Nathanael Atticus and Marilla Elizabeth. Peggy enjoyed spending time talking with, playing with, and bargain shopping with her grandchildren. Mark married Pamela McClure in 2020 in Lafayette, IN, and brought a step -grandchild and great-grandchildren into the family – Kristine McClure, Anthony Piris, Maria Piris, and Nickolaus Flynn.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband Ted; her parents; and siblings William E, Dianne, and Donald. She leaves behind her children Mark and Pamela; her grandchildren; her sister Judy; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and dear family friend, Theresa (Fugate) Holland, all of whom she will be looking over and protecting. They all will miss spending time and talking with Peggy about current events, memories of the past, and just everyday humorous incidents.

With cremation taking place, no services will be held at this time. To bring together those who love her and will miss her greatly, a celebration of Peggy’s life will take place in Akron, Ohio, on Friday, June 12, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm in the West Room of the Charles Goodyear Memorial Lodge, 2077 Newton Street, Akron, Ohio, 44305.

Memorial gifts in Peggy’s honor may be made to one of her loves – the Hiking Spree Fund for the Summit Metro Parks Foundation (http://foundation.summitmetroparks.org/hiking-spree-fund/), michaeljfox.org for Parkinson’s Research, or spread Peggy’s love through donations to those in the most need at your local food pantry.