Michele Marie Miller

Michele Marie (Hartlaub) Miller, 63, of Oak Harbor, OH, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and kindness. Born on May 10, 1961, in Sandusky, OH, she was the beloved daughter of Lawrence E. and Shirley M. (Knittel) Hartlaub.

A 1979 graduate of Port Clinton High School, Michele married Ronald L. Miller on August 4, 1979, in Port Clinton, OH. Together, they built a life centered around family, community, and unwavering dedication. While raising her children, Michele provided childcare to several local families in her home. In March 1990, she began her employment journey with Riverview Industries, where she served at Bittersweet Farms and delivered Mobile Meals. Most recently, she was a dedicated employee of OCTA, ensuring passengers reached their destinations safely and with care. Having devoted nearly 35 years to serving Ottawa County, she was looking forward to retirement in March.

Michele was the heart of her family—a devoted farmer’s wife, a loving mother, and a steadfast friend. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor, a board member of the Ottawa County Farm Bureau, and a member of the FSA Ottawa County Committee. Passionate about civic engagement, she was politically active and served at the voting polls during every election. She also played a significant role in Ottawa County 4-H as an advisor, Quality Assurance pioneer, barn superintendent, and Livestock Committee member.

Affectionately known as ‘Boo’ to many and ‘Nana’ to her favorite people, Michele cherished time with her grandchildren. She had a gift for nurturing plants, was dubbed the “Queen of Laundry,” and was renowned for her impeccable pie crust and rice krispy bars. A friend to all, Michele never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Her family will deeply miss her daily check-ins, her unwavering support, and the warmth of her presence.

Michele is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Ronald; her children, Elizabeth (Peter) Nestinger of Columbus, OH, Samantha Henderson of Sunbury, OH, and Sheldon (Samantha) Miller of Oak Harbor, OH; and her adored grandchildren, Gabriel, Aaron, and Benjamin Nestinger; Charlotte Henderson; and Corbin, Danica, and Gibson Miller. She is also survived by her siblings, Keith (Theresa) Hartlaub and Amy (Ed) Cantu; her bonus sister, Shannon Hand; her sister-in-law, Barbara (Gary) Finke; and several cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Ralph and Hazel Miller; her sisters, Cheryl Hartlaub and Linda Hartlaub; her sister-in-law, Bonnie Hartlaub; and her brother-in-law, Randall Miller.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 165 E. Water St., Oak Harbor, OH. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 9789 W. Oak Harbor SE Rd., Oak Harbor, OH. The family kindly requests that guests wear casual attire in honor of Michele’s relaxed and welcoming spirit. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at her son’s farm, 2532 S. Mud Creek Rd., Oak Harbor, OH. Entombment will take place at a later date in the columbarium at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Port Clinton, OH.

In Honor of Michele and her years of dedicated service, OCTA will be providing free rides to the public on 02/28 and 03/01. Please call (419) 898-7433 to schedule.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michele’s honor may be made to the Ottawa County Farm Bureau, 50 Shades of Purple Project—an organization dedicated to raising awareness about abuse and domestic violence—or St. Paul Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.