Janice R Miller

Janice Ruth Hartung Neher Miller, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, in Fishers, Indiana. She was born on March 24, 1933, in Climax, Michigan, to the late Claud Herbert Hartung and Lily May (Williams) Hartung. She spent most of her life in the South Bend and Mishawaka area.

In 1955, Janice married John Neher. Together they raised two sons, John and Jim. They shared 25 years of marriage.

In April 1984, Janice married Kenneth Miller in South Bend. Kenny was the love of her life and her very best friend. After retiring from Simon Bros., Kenny enjoyed restoring older homes with the help of local contractors.  He then turned his focus to the building of their beautiful new home on Courtland Drive in Georgetown North of South Bend. They shared 28 wonderful years of marriage until Kenny's passing in September 2012. Seven months before his death, they had moved to The Village at Arborwood, where Janice enjoyed many meaningful friendships, which continued after her move to Fishers, Indiana.

Janice is survived by her two sons, John (Donna) Neher of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Jim Neher of Fishers; her stepchildren, Ken (Kathleen) Miller of Ada, Michigan, and Sue (Craig) Lee of Honolulu, Hawaii; grandchildren Carolee (David) Peterson of Louisiana, Erin  (Michael) Shupe of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Caitlin (Michael) French of Brighton, Michigan, Alicia (Kyle) Vander Ark of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Nicolas Lee of Los Angeles, California, and Taylor Lee of Honolulu, Hawaii; and eleven beautiful great-grandchildren

She is also survived by her sister, Norma Falco of Pearland, Texas; niece  Barbara (Greg) Stalker, and nephews:  Craig Hartung, Michael (Hong) Falco, and Col. Robert Cerney (Ret.) and his wife, Aida, of Leesburg, Georgia; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Miller; her parents; sisters Eleanor Shinabarger, Freda Ure, and Anna Welsh; brother Claud H. Hartung, Jr.; sister-in-law Lucille Miller Overmyer and brother-in-law Terry Overmyer; nephew Jim Welsh; and her very special friend from Arborwood Village, John Monk, along with his faithful little Yorkie, Fergus.

Janice's father worked many jobs throughout his life, primarily for the Grand Trunk Railroad. Because of his work, the family moved frequently, and each of the six Hartung children were born in a different Michigan town. Their final move brought them to South Bend, where the family first lived on the west side of the city. Janice began kindergarten at Oliver School before moving to Clay Township in 1941. She attended Ullery Elementary School and graduated from Washington-Clay High School in 1951.

With the encouragement of her mother, participation in 4-H, and the guidance of an exceptional home economics teacher, Janice learned to sew and spent many years making her own clothing and decorating her home with handmade creations. She served as a den mother for her sons' Cub Scout troops and volunteered for several years at Memorial Hospital and later at St. Joseph Hospital.

In 1992, Janice discovered a lifelong passion for quilting. The beautiful fabrics and patterns inspired her to create countless quilts for family, friends, and charitable organizations. She especially treasured the friendships she made through the FLI Quilt Club.

Janice was working for Redden Travel Service when she met her future husband, Kenny. Together they shared a love of travel, visiting Europe twice and exploring much of the United States. A Panama Canal cruise was among their favorite adventures. Colorado was their favorite state to visit, with New England ranking a close second. They also made several trips to Hawaii to visit their daughter Sue and her family. While she loved traveling, Janice always said her greatest joy was spending time with family.

She enjoy ed walking for exercise throughout her life, whether in her neighborhood, at the mall, or after moving to The Village at Arborwood, where she walked the halls during the winter and around the grounds during warmer months. She cherished the friendships she formed with fellow residents and staff. She continued her love of walking after her move to Fishers, walking the beautiful Nickel Plate Trail.

Janice also loved musical theater, attending performances at Amish Acres, the South Bend Civic Theatre, the Battell Center, and Clay High School. She was an avid fan of Notre Dame football, Notre Dame women's basketball, professional tennis, and looked forward to Sunday afternoons playing dominoes with friends.
 

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 12:00pm until 1:00pm at the Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel: 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, Indiana 46635. The funeral service will begin at 1:00pm at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Olsen officiating. Graveside service and burial at St. Joseph Valley memorial Park will immediately follow.

Janice had a special place in her heart for animals, especially dogs and cats. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the St. Joseph County Humane Society to help find loving homes for God's little dogs and kittens.

Janice's final words to her family were simple and full of faith:

"Love, Mom. My Kenny is not gone. I am going to be with him again."

Online condolences may be offered at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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