Melba Jean Miller

July 25, 1937 - September 11, 2017

Melba Jean (Lawton) Miller, 80, of Shirley, passed away on the afternoon of Monday, September 11, 2017 at Hancock Regional Hospital. She was born on July 25, 1937 in Spiceland, a daughter of the late Frank and Susie (Chew) Lawton. Melba Jean was a longtime employee of Stop 3 Truck Plaza in Spiceland. She was a former member of the Shirley Historical Society, Red Hat Society and Shirley Christian Church. Melba Jean enjoyed embroidery, quilting, sewing and spending time with her family. Those left to cherish her memory include her four children, Alfred Henry “Hank” (wife: Darlene) Riley Jr. of Pendleton, Christina Ann Bronnenberg of Elwood, Sandra Kay (husband: Luther) Bradford of Knightstown, Rebecca Sue (husband: David) Ellis of Morristown; grandchildren, Alfred H. Riley III, Kip Riley, James A. Bronnenberg, Chester (wife: Jamie) Bronnenberg, Rick (wife: Rhea) Bronnenberg, Ryan Ray (wife: LeeAnn) Boaz, Shawnah Kay (Donald Jones) Boaz, Harrison Levi (wife: Liz) Boaz, Adam (wife: Kelsie) Bradford, Mark Shane Riley, Lindsey Michelle (husband: Kyle) James and Daniel Whitehead; twenty-one great-grandchildren, Dylan, Madison and Travis Weimer, Jessica Miller, Tyler Riley, Renea, Bryce, Natalie, Riley, Hailee, Brennan and Anna Bronnenberg, Sarah, Jessee and Gabriel Boaz, Gavon and Gage Bradford, Jeremiah, Juriah and Shane Riley, Jacob Head, Kylee, Anthony and Mikhalee McPhearson; six great-great-grandchildren, Lyla, Lainey, Addy, Serena, Kylee and Syrys. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Clarence, Everett and Frank Lawton; sisters, Betty Purvis, LaVera Hoover, Carolyn Bennett and Barbara Humes; son-in-law, James Bronnenberg and grandson, Jesse Lee Boaz. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 15, 2017 at Sproles Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Circle Grove Cemetery in Spiceland. Friends may call from 4 – 8 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hancock Henry Community Youth Center, H2CYC, P.O. Box 163, Shirley, IN 47384. You may leave a personal condolence for the family at www.sprolesfamilycares.com The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Melba Jean (Lawton) Miller.