Mr. Merrill (Molly) Miller, 83, formerly of DeKalb Junction, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 17 at HealthSouth Hospital in Sarasota, Florida.

Mr. Miller was the son of Robert and Pauline (Millar) Miller of Richville. Molly was born on December 9, 1927, and spent his early years on the Maple Ridge Road. He married Betty Jean Alguire from Cooper’s Falls on October 26, 1949, and they bought a farm on the Old Canton Road in DeKalb where they raised their family.

Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, the former Betty Jean Alguire’ their eight children, Mrs. Marty Green (Connie) of Hermon, Mrs. Ronald Turbide (Shirley) of Canton, Mrs. Terry Wright (Kathryn) of DeKalb Junction, Mrs. Tim Vining (Vicky) of Latham, Robert and Stephanie Miller of Ovid, Jeffrey and Jayne Miller of Ovid, John Miller of Rock Hill, SC, and Michael and Dawn Miller of Ovid. In addition Merrill is survived by his brother, Murray Miller and companion Ethel Newcombe of Richville; two sisters, Ms. June Miller of Ogdensburg, and Ms. Mary Miller of Potsdam,. In addition, Mr Miller is survived by 26 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Merrill is pre-deceased by his parents and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Teresa (John) Miller of Rock Hill, SC.

Molly retired in 1985 after 40 years of service with New York State Department of Transportation. In addition, Merrill operated a small dairy farm on the Old Canton Road, DeKalb Junction. Subsequent to his retirement, Molly assisted auctioneer Willis Shattuck.

Mr. Miller was a Thirty-Second Degree member of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons, Richville, NY., Lodge #0633. Merrill served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge and also was a member of Shriners International. Merrill was a member of the Gouverneur Lodge of Elks #2035.

Mr. Miller was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed fishing at Osborne Lake and at his favorite secret fishing hole in Canton. He introduced his children early to the outdoors and loved to hunt with them. In 1967, Molly and Betty took their eight children on a camping trip across the country to California. In his later years, Molly developed a keen interest in roller coasters.

He will be sorely missed and his silly country quips that he used on a daily basis have carried forward to all that knew him. He will always be remembered in our thoughts and felt in our hearts.

There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with Mansion Memorial Park and Funeral Home. A memorial service is planned for Terra Siesta Park in Ellenton, FL and another memorial will be held at a later date in the North Country at the convenience of the family.