VASSAR – Mrs. Barbara “Barb” Miller, aged 88, our kind, hardworking, and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Wellspring Lutheran Home in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Barbara was born on August 10, 1937, in Goodrich, Michigan, to Chester & Frieda VanAlstine (née Spangler). She moved to Vassar at the age of 9 and was raised alongside her brothers Harold and Philip. She graduated from Vassar High School with the class of 1955. On November 12, 1955, she wed the love of her life, Gale “Gus” Miller. The two shared countless memories, raised their four children, and celebrated 62 years of marriage before Gus passed away in 2018. Barb worked as a bookkeeper in the grocery industry and also lent her talent as a seamstress to bridal stores altering wedding attire. A woman of great faith, she was a longtime member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Vassar. Barb had many passions in life that could be succinctly defined by her love for wearing pink and affectionately referred to as “The Pink Lady”, cheering on the Detroit Tigers, often enjoying a cold Diet Coke, watching birds visit her bird feeders and walking the beaches of the Outer Banks. Her caring and kind ways lent her the honorary title of “second mother” and “second grandmother” to many children and grandchildren that were not her own, but she loved them all the same. Above all, Barb’s happiest moments were spent with her family. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children: Gayle Miller (Kelly Waynick), Connie (Mike) Roberts, Jim (Sonya) Miller, and Susan (Steve) Bertoia; grandchildren: Michael (Natasha Sasser) Roberts, Kenny Miller, Avery (Kalob) Amrine, Maria (Nathan Warren)Bertoia, and Sarah (Hans Bierlein)Bertoia; great-grandchildren: Jesse and Lucy; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Barb is reunited with her husband, Mr. Gus Miller; parents, Chester and Frieda VanAlstine; and brothers, Harold VanAlstine, and Philip VanAlstine.

Those desiring, may direct memorial gifts to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Vassar.

The family would like to thank Wellspring Lutheran Home and Wellspring Hospice for helping us through these last few weeks.

If inclined please consider wearing pink in honor of her.

Barb’s family will receive guests at Hanlin Funeral Home in Vassar from 2 – 7 PM on Thursday, July 16, 2026. On Friday, July 17, 2026, Barb will lie in state at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (916 W. Huron Avenue, Vassar, MI 48768) from 9 AM until the time of her 10 AM funeral service. Rev. Matthew Arnold will officiate. Interment to follow in Tuscola Township Cemetery.

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Barbara and her family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Vassar. Address: 1148 W. Saginaw Rd, Vassar, MI 48768. Phone (989) 823 - 8621.

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