Mary Ellen Miller, age 88, of Adrian, passed away in her home on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
Born on March 7, 1937, in Adrian, she was the daughter of Carl S. and Frances L. (Ost) Vogel. Mary Ellen pursued higher education at Siena Heights College and Michigan State University, preparing for a lifelong commitment to education and service.
In 1966, Mary Ellen married Charles W. Miller. They shared over 27 years of marriage until his passing in July 1993.
A devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mary Ellen found strength and purpose in her faith throughout her life. She dedicated her career to helping others through education and health services. She taught special education with the Lenawee Intermediate School District and served as a vision specialist with the Health Department. Her passion for teaching extended to roles at St. Joseph and St. Mary’s schools, as well as substitute teaching in Adrian.
Mary Ellen is survived by one daughter, Kristine (Roy) Puchalsky; three grandsons, Charles Puchalsky, and Kevin and Matthew Puchalsky. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; an infant daughter, Laurie Ann; her parents; one brother, Carl James Vogel; and two sisters, Agnes Guilford and Jane Tibbits.
A memorial mass for Mary Ellen will be celebrated by Father Michael Newman, OSFS, on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Adrian. Rite of Committal follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation at the church for one hour before mass begins.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Parish or to St. Vincent de Paul. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.