Ben J. Miller

Ben J. Miller, 83, of Goshen, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, January 7, 2006, in the emergency room at Goshen General Hospital.   He was born September 5, 1922, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Joe B. and Lydia (Troyer) Miller.  On October 28, 1951, in Goshen, he married Nadine Bontrager.  She died April 26, 2005.   Mr. Miller has lived in the Goshen area since 1936. He worked at Holiday Rambler in tool and die cutting until retiring in 1989.  After retirement he worked for his son-in-law at Leatherman Supply.   He was a member of Zion Chapel.  A World War II Navy veteran, he enjoyed bowling, playing and umpiring softball, woodworking and golfing.   He is survived by four daughters, Jan (Dave) Miller, Judy Cooper, and Jane (Vern) Leatherman, all of Goshen, and Wilma Weaver of Elkhart; 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by three sisters, Sue (Ezra) Yoder of Topeka, Indiana, Katie (Ammon) Bontrager of Shipshewana, Indiana, Mary Miller of Cherrill Ford, North Carolina; and three brothers, Christ (Katie) Miller and Joe B. (Mary) Miller, both of Shipshewana, Indiana, and Noah (Katie) Miller of Goshen, and a companion, Ruth Leatherman.   He was preceded by his wife, Nadine; three brothers, Roman, William and David Miller, two sisters, Edna and Polly Miller and a great-grandson, Joseph Slabaugh.   Friend may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, and 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 10 an 11, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Friends may also call one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church.   A 7:00 p.m., service will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, at Zion Chapel, Goshen.  Pastor Steve Chupp will officiate.   A private family burial will be held at a later date in Elkhart Prairie Cemetery, Goshen.   Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s International, The Window, or American Cancer Society.