Reuben Miller

Reuben W. Miller, 86 years, 5 months, and 13 days of Sarasota, FL formerly of Arthur, IL passed away at 1:15 P.M. on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at the Pleasant View School, 184 N CR 300 E in rural Arcola, IL.  Pastor Duane Kuhns will officiate.  Burial will be in the Arthur Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, August 27, 2021, and from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the Pleasant View School.  The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Reuben was born on February 11, 1935, in Arthur, IL.  He was a son of William G. and Katie Ann (Beachey) Miller.  He married Fannie Schrock on March 29, 1956, in Arthur, IL.  They lived in Holy Matrimony for 65 years, 4 months, and 26 days.

He is survived by his wife, Fannie Miller of Sarasota, FL; 7 children, Allen Miller and his wife Carolyn of Arthur, IL, Goldie Bontrager and her husband Kenny of Sullivan, IL, Dorothy Kauffman and her husband Gary of Lovington, IL, Lorene Otto and her husband Ed of Sullivan, IL, Sylvia Miller of Sarasota, FL, Leroy Miller and his wife Naomi of New Holland, PA and Becky Stutzman and her husband Phil of Sarasota, FL, 20 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 1 brother, Harley Miller and his wife Martha Ann (Gingerich) of Arthur, IL, 1 brother-in-law Levi J.D. Herschberger of Arthur, IL, and 1 sister-in-law Edith Miller of Marion, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 grandson, Reginald Miller, 3 sisters, Alta Chupp and her husband Jacob D., Mary Helmuth and her husband Albert D., and Lizzie Ann Herschberger, and 2 brothers, Jacob W. Miller and his wife Katie Ann and Elva W. Miller.

Reuben attended Living Word Fellowship in Arthur, IL and Sarasota Mennonite Church in Sarasota, FL.

Reuben grew up on a farm.  He was a farrier for over 50 years.   He was very influential in the farrier industry.   He made horseshoes for the Budweiser Hitch, in Illinois, Texas and Florida.  He taught and was on the Farrier License board in Springfield, IL.  He worked at the Illinois Equine Center west of Farmer City, IL two days a week for over 20 years.  He shod horses for George Bunn for over 20 years.   He collaborated to create the Hartbar Horseshoe.   Reuben was a specialist at his craft.  Horses were brought to him unable to stand and they would leave walking.

Reuben’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they were very special to him.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Living Word Fellowship in Arthur, IL.