Helen Mae (Rinehart) Miller

Helen M. Miller - July 8, 1925 - Feb. 14, 2026

Celebrating a Century of Life and Love

Helen Mae (Rinehart) Miller, 100, of Swiss Village, from Berne Indiana, a cherished resident of Swiss Village, passed away peacefully on the morning of Valentine's Day 2026, at the Adams County Memorial Hospital, in Decatur, IN. She had looked forward to the day she'd go home to heaven and gather at Jesus feet with others. Helen lived a life marked by devotion, kindness, and a deep love for her family and friends.

She was a graduate of Hagerstown High School in Hagerstown IN, and held a bachelor's degree from Manchester College, in Home Economics and Business Education. She also holds 2 additional Master's Degrees from Ball State University. She taught both Home Economics and Business, in Beaver Dam, Indiana, where she also served as the school's Director of Food Service besides teaching a full load of classes. Later, the Superintendent of the New Castle School district, convinced her to move closer to home and teach for the New Castle School district, where she was also hired as a summer 4-H leader, which entailed her working with girls in their homes on projects. While doing that job, she met the new young Assistant County Agent and Youth Agent with Purdue Universities Extensions Service. And in February 1953, she married Chelsey Calvin Miller, from Berne, IN. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage until Calvin's passing in 2011. Their enduring partnership was a source of inspiration and strength for all who knew them.

He was also the New Castle morning Radio Disc Jockey and a small airplane pilot, and soon she was knowledgeable about live radio and Hamm radio operations and learned to be an airplane navigator for Calvin, as they flew to various places in the USA and places in Mexico, with other young pilot couples. She was an avid traveler used to traveling with her parents and siblings and then Calvin. She visited all 50 states and approximately a dozen different countries. She worked from home after her daughters were born, was a busy gardener, served as a 4-H Leader and Sunday School teacher, and filled in as a long-term substitute teacher in several Adams County schools teaching English, Biology and other classes. She was a lifelong member of the Church of the Brethren congregations where they lived. She enjoyed being an active member of the Church Women's Fellowship and the Merrier Monday's Home Extension Club.

She was born on July 8, 1925, the eldest of three daughters of George Mahlon Rinehart and Mary Elizabeth (Hay) Rinehart, of Hagerstown, In. She is survived by 2 daughters: Jan(et) [Tim] Vogleman, of Huntington, IN and Deb(ra) [Dave] Bowers of Walkerton, IN. Her 5 Grandchildren: Dan (Jodi) Bowers, Brooke Guerrier (James Guerrier), Matt (Chloe) Vogleman, Caleb Bowers, Micah Issiah Vogleman, and 5 Great Grand Children, Brielle Guerrier, Harper Vogleman and Hudson Vogleman, Lydia Bowers and Jillian Bowers, were very very special to her. She is also survived by a younger sister Esther (Rinehart)Hamer and many nieces and nephews. Her 3rd sister, Dorothy (Rinehart) Coplen passed, in 2005.

Her legacy lives on in her family, who will always treasure the memories and values she imparted to them. Helen's gentle spirit, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memory be a blessing and her extraordinary life an example to others.

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026 at Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren with Pastor Jonathan Crandall, Pastor Bekah Shaffer and Pastor Jay Carter officiating. Calling will be 1 hour prior to services from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Preferred memorials can be made to Pleasant Dale Church, Making Room or Salamonie Church of the Brethren.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Mae (Rinehart) Miller, please visit our floral store.