Sonja H. Miller

Sonja H. Miller, 94, died early Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Presidential Post Acute in Marion after months of failing health.

She was born September 22, 1931 in Dearborn, Michigan to the late Leonid “Jack” and Berneice (Larick) Christensen and raised in rural Nevada. Sonja graduated from Nevada High School in 1949 where she was a cheerleader and participated in track and field. It was at a track meet where she met Arden Miller who had recently returned from the Army. After dating a couple of years, they were married on September 1, 1949, and shared nearly 69 years of marriage when he preceded her in death on July 19, 2018.

Sonja worked for GE before becoming a homemaker and raising three boys. She and Arden operated Miller’s Store in Nevada and she later returned to GE, retiring in the 1990s. She was known for her beautiful flower beds and enjoyed garden club meetings. Sonja and Arden’s travels included camping at Otsego Lake in Michigan along with various bus trips. They were able to visit every state except Alaska and North Dakota. She was a longtime member of Nevada Lutheran Church and did a lot of genealogy work, especially her father’s Norwegian roots.

Sonja is survived by sons, Michael (Becky) Miller and Gary Miller; daughter-in-law, Teena Miller; granddaughter, Sherry Pinion; grandson, Barry (Brandy) Miller; great grandchildren, Ty (Taylor) Pinion, Rylie (Mark) Gamber, Brazlynn Miller, and Brayzen Miller; great-great grandson, Brody Pinion; sister, Janet Theis; sister-in-law, Doris Christensen; and nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by infant daughter, Elizabeth Miller; son, Christopher Miller; grandson-in-law, Wesley Pinion; sister, Andora Kinsey and husband Harold; brother, Dale Christensen and wife Alyce; brother, Harold Christensen; and brother-in-law, Mickey Theis.

Sonja’s family will receive friends on Sunday, May 31 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus from 2-4 pm. Her funeral will be held on Monday, June 1 at 11:00 am in Nevada Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Genzman officiating. Burial will follow in Nevada Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to Nevada Lutheran Church and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Sonja’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.