Minta 'Percy' Miller (Mansfield)'s Obituary
Minta Jane “Percy” Miller was born January 25th, 1930 in Sedalia, Missouri to Harry and Minta Sullivan. To this union were born nine children, Minta was preceded in death by her husband, Max L Miller and by her siblings Mary Ellen “Becky”, Delbert Lowry “Buddy”, Harry Clement “Barney”, Eddie Ervin “Red”, Vincent Thorban “Mex”, Gene Ray, Virginia Kathryn “Ginnie” , and Bertha Evelyn “Deac”. Also, her son-in-law, John Paul Senekdjian and grandson, Brandon Dean Miller. She is survived by her children Debbie and Joe Seitzer, Ronald “Buster” and Sharon Miller, Susan and Wendel Matlock, Joe and Kim Miller, Lyle and Connie Miller, and John T. and Angie Miller. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ryan, Olivia, Emily, Ashley, John Paul, Lauren, Wendy, Tessa, Austin, Zachary, Alex, Lindsey, Whitney, Blake, Vince, Haley, Brandie, Cade and Arly. Also her great-grandchildren: Morgan, Max, Grace, Corina, Sullivan, Trevor, Ellie, Vedder, Ava, Lanford, Blair, Reese, Blake, Megan, Mikayla, Hattie, Boone, Jake, Savannah, Ellie, Lorelai, Harrison, Audrey, Miller, Minta, Landry, Jaxon, and Rylee. Also, countless other close relatives and lifelong friends.
Percy spent her childhood in Sedalia, Missouri and was the youngest of nine children. As a child of the depression she worked in a bakery and as a school secretary. She graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1948 and met Max when he was a roofing salesman in Sedalia, Missouri. Shortly thereafter they married, and Max went to serve in the Korean War. After returning from the war, Percy and Max opened the Bergman-Miller Funeral Homes in 1954 and built a business which they owned and operated for 42 years with three locations as well as The Wholesale Monument Company in Seymour. Percy was a licensed funeral director as well as the bookkeeper. Her day-to-day work included answering phones for the fire department, ambulance calls, and funeral home business all while raising six small children. In short, her work was never done. Percy was known in the community for her generosity to children and children’s causes. She never wanted a child to go hungry or without a necessity. She was a living example of service to others and always put others first. She never allowed someone to enter her kitchen without offering them food and drink many times over. She and Max made those without family and close friends feel as if they were always welcome in their home. When her children were grown, Percy loved to travel and began traveling in the late 1970's with her older sister, Virginia. They traveled the United States and the world, going to places such as Ireland, Nova Scotia, and China. She also traveled places with Max during their 51 years of marriage, as long as he could keep his feet close to the ground. She had made a profession of faith in Christ and was member of Mansfield United Methodist Church where she was a member of the choir, church ladies and always helping with meals. She was a member of over 50 years of the Eastern Star and a devoted volunteer with the local Backpack Program. Percy had a fantastic sense of humor and wit that never failed. She always had the perfect one-liner for every situation and never stopped making her family laugh in her 89 years.
Percy was artistic and appreciative of beauty in all situations especially in the details. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. Percy always had the perfect outfit for every situation and event with jewelry, shoes, and accessories to match. Most of all, Percy was an example of love, strength, and perseverance to her family.
On this day, Percy Miller is wearing the wedding suit she wore 69 years ago when she married Max. In the hearts and minds of her family, her beautiful spirit will always be with us.
The family will be receiving friends in Percy's home Wednesday and Thursday.
Memorials may be made to Wright County Children's Home or the Mansfield Backpack Program and left at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Minta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Minta?
Share a story where Minta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Minta you’ll never forget.
How did Minta make you smile?
