Elaine Miller

ELAINE CAROLINE HARZ MILLER, 84 entered her heavenly home on March 31, 2016 at Holton, KS. Born August 19, 1931, at her parent's home near Greenleaf, KS, Elaine was the daughter of Otto Carl and Hermena Clara Genschorck Harz. She was baptized September 13, 1931, by Rev. Stolp, confirmed March 25, 1945, by Rev. Klattenhoff and was a member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. Elaine attended elementary school at Logan Center and Bethlehem Lutheran, Greenleaf, graduating with highest honors. In 1949, she graduated valedictorian from Greenleaf High School, having received honors in the Kansas State English Scholarship tests and awarded the school letter in scholarship tests. She attended Emporia State Teacher's College, Kansas State University and Kansas University. Her interests encompassed elementary education, art, music, dance, theater, writing and poetry. Elaine taught 3rd grade in Clifton and Manhattan and taught art classes in the W.B. Simpson Elementary School in Dover, DE. She designed and made costumes for the Marion Tracy Ballet School of Dance in Dover. She was a beloved teacher and artist. Mrs. Miller realized her dream with hr Youth Enrichment Program in Deleware. As a volunteer, she arranged for busing for African American children to Dover Air Force base and taught art, crafts, guitar and sue of the Library. She was honored to receive President Johnson's Certificate of Appreciation from base commander Col. H. Cooper. In 1968, she was commended for outstanding accomplishments in supporting the President's program to enhance the opportunities for the disadvantaged youth in the fields of employment, education, health and recreation by Vice President Hubert Humphrey. Mrs Miller was a featured artist with her concept of the beautiful and moving "Cathedral Of The Spirit." President Nixon, at the White House on January 20, 1969, presented Elaine with the President's Certificate of Appreciation for her artistry in the "Cathedral Of The Spirit." On August, 7, 1955, Elaine married Righard Miller at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Manhattan. For teo years they lived in Asuncion, Paraguay, where Elaine was secretary for the Si-National School Board. She also, taught art classes, raised funds for mental health hospitals, a leper colony and a TB hospital and was a volunteer in community services. Utilizing her artistic abilities, Elaine designed the National TB seal for Paraguay. Richard and Elaine later divorced. She has made her home in the Topeka ares since 1977.Elaine's art work included paintings in oil, pastels, water color, chalk, acrylics and charcoal. In October 2009, three of Elaine's paintings were displayed at the Upstage Art Gallery in Topeka where she was honored wit ha reception on opening night. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Hermena Harz, infant sister, Nadine and brother in law, Ivan Wieters. Survivors: Daughter: Dr. Sheryl and husband Warren Long, Irvine, CA Son: Richard and wife Rebecca Miller, Lake Elsinor, CA Sister: Valera Wieters, Hutchinson, KS Sister: Darlene Harvey, Topeka, KS Granddaughter: Amanda Miller Grandsons: Michael Miller-Knittle, Keith Long and Ryan Long Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Bethlehem Lutheran in Greenleaf , KS Officiating the service will be Pastor Tim Lorenz Burial will be in the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Greenleaf , KS Visitation will be held from 10 AM until service time at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions to Medicalodges Jackson County or Bethlehem Lutheran Church c/o the funeral home.