Michael M. Miller
Michael Monroe Miller, 73, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 7, 2021. Some may have seen Michael as disabled, but the staff at Rainbow Homes helped Michael live a wonderful life full of “Abilities” for many years. His family is truly thankful that Michael’s life was enriched beyond measure because of the nurturing care and experiences they provided. The family also wishes to thank Sparrow Hospital, Regency at Lansing West, and Fairview AFC for their wonderful care of Michael for the last several months.
Previously employed at Felpausch and at Meijer in Mason, he retired from Peckham Industries in Lansing, Michigan in January 2020. Also, a greeter at his church, Michael enjoyed making friends and participating in lots of activities like making rock candy with his friends from Rainbow Homes at sister Ann’s at Christmas time. Michael also loved to bowl, play BINGO, watch Dukes of Hazard, learn to cook, and help fix things at Rainbow Homes. His love of Elvis included listening to all of his CD’s, wearing his Elvis costume, and a great trip to Graceland. If you asked Michael a question you could always count on an answer of “YupYup,” “Sometimes maybe,” “prit near,” or “I’ll think about it.”
His friends and family were all so proud of Michael after several years of “thinking about it” he overcame his fear of swimming and won a gold medal in the 25-meter freestyle and a silver medal in the 50 meter freestyle at the 2008 Special Olympics Summer games.
Michael’s Mom and Dad, J. Robert and Rowena (Castle) Miller have been waiting in Heaven for him. He is survived by his sisters, Ann (Jim) Welling, Margot, and JoEllen; and brother, David. He always looked forward to spending time with his nephews and their families, John, Hattie, Joshua, Christopher, Karey, Kyler, Morgan and Avery, Patrick, Emily, Aiden, Benjamin and Madeline.
Michael has willed his body to the MSU Willed Body program. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, contributions can be made in Michael’s name to Rainbow Homes, 2111 Adelpha Ave. Apt B, Holt, MI, 48842 or Special Olympics Michigan, 2901 Wabash Road, Lansing, MI 48910.