Linda Miller

Linda Sue Hoffmaster Miller was born on October 26, 1945, in Lebanon, Pa., to Lester and Verna Heisey Hoffmaster. She was married for over 60 years to Mervyl LeRoy Miller who preceded her in death last November. Together they raised four daughters and delighted in every new addition to the clan. Their family includes Jenifer and Mike Fitzgerald and their three sons Matthew and Madyson (significant other), Seth and Paris, and Wyatt; Aimee Miller; Danielle and Craig Peifer and her three daughters with the late Jonathan Hofstetter, Annika and Elliott (fiancé), Liv, and Nadia, plus three Peifer stepsons, Christian and Rachel, Luke and Kalyn (fiancé), and Joel; Julie and Stacy Shiflet and their daughter Sofia.

Linda grew up in south central Pennsylvania with siblings Connie (Dave, late) Place, Dave (Mary) Hoffmaster, Jim (Karen) Hoffmaster, Nancy (Bill) Hamill, and Janet (Joe) Ikoniak. She treasured returning north each year to be part of annual egg hunts and campouts with three and then four generations of her Hoffmaster Family. Linda and Merv also hosted numerous February Camp-Ins when siblings, nieces, and nephews came south.

Linda and Merv met when he moved in across the street to serve his 1-W Alternative Service at Norristown State Hospital in Pa. After graduating in 1963 from Norristown High School, Linda enrolled at Madison College (now JMU) and moved to Harrisonburg, Va. Merv got permission from the college president to date Madison College women, and their love blossomed. Merv and Linda married on December 26, 1964. The following year, they started building the house on (now) Pear Street where Linda and Merv practiced gracious hospitality together for six decades. Multitudes of friends and children’s friends were invited to join them for dinner, games of Shanghai or Wizard, or pool time. Linda also enjoyed close relationships with Merv’s siblings: Marge (Mike) Presley, Win (Sue) Miller, and Cheryl (Glen) Heatwole and their families.

Linda’s love for Jesus was interwoven into every part of her life and was evident in how she lived and cared for others, praying for family and friends even into her final days. She and Merv built a life centered on faith, family, and community. As newlyweds they joined Chicago Avenue Mennonite Church’s young married couple’s Sunday School class. Later they were founding members of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church where they were active participants. They built long-lasting relationships with the Agape class and many others over the years at HMC.

Linda’s parents were both teachers, and she absorbed their love of learning along with three of her five siblings. She passed that passion for teaching to the next generation as well. At one point, Linda and her four daughters were teaching across the educational spectrum from pre-school (Jenifer), elementary school (Julie), middle school (Linda), high school (Danielle), and college (Aimee).

Linda completed her BS in Elementary Education and began her teaching career at Mount Clinton Elementary School. She later earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education (JMU) and taught at both Lucy Simms and Spotswood Elementary. Linda truly cemented her teaching legacy with 26 years spent at Eastern Mennonite High School (1982-2008). She was creative in her classrooms and developed learning experiences that spoke to middle schoolers, like Colonial Days that allowed students to participate in activities like basket weaving, making soap, and dipping candles. Linda also enthusiastically led EMHS mini-term trips, including many to Pennsylvania that introduced students to historic and cultural aspects of Lancaster County and Philadelphia. Linda even engaged in Mississippi public schools during the year she and Merv participated in Voluntary Service (1978-79) with the three older girls.

Even after retirement, Linda continued to leverage her inherent love of learning in novel ways. Linda served alongside siblings Jim and Nancy as a tour director for Curriculum Travel of America, leading student trips often in Washington, D.C. She was also actively involved at the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center where she guided educational field trips and shared her passion for history and culture. Linda eventually envisioned how those stories of Shenandoah Valley life in the early 1900’s could be expressed as part of her CrossRoads children’s book series.

The collection of books Linda authored reflects her lifelong love of storytelling and education. Her 17th title will be published later this summer, and she loved sharing her books with others. Her creative and curious spirit was always evolving as Linda enjoyed quilting, painting silk scarves, weaving baskets, and other crafting ventures over the years. She loved drawing her family into those activities, and one of her greatest joys was hosting the perfect tea party for her grandchildren, also shaping another of her books.

Linda also had an adventurous spirit that helped her engage passionately in experiences. She and Merv enjoyed traveling. When the girls were younger, they made several visits to Merv’s snowbird parents, Willis and Ruth, in FL where fishing, oranges, and Disney World shaped the adventures. The most extensive family trip was when all six spent a memorable month road tripping to the west coast and back. After all those nights in the pop-up camper, Linda convinced Merv to install a swimming pool so she “never had to camp again.” Once older, Linda enjoyed planning travels with friends and often made new friends on their tours. River cruises were a favorite option, and Linda especially enjoyed their adventure in Morocco which shaped another of her books. On that trip, they saw firsthand the energy and diverse wares that were part of her vision for Village Bazaar, a small store she operated in mid-life. Linda possessed a fearless ability to turn an idea into a vibrant reality.

Linda will be remembered lovingly for her boundless creativity, her gentle humor, her deep love for her family and God, and her devotion to her students and community.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Linda’s devoted caregivers and the compassionate team at Hospice for their attentive care, kindness, and support that helped during her final days. Their presence brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Linda and her loved ones. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center, 1921 Heritage Center Way, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Pastor Craig Maven will conduct a memorial service on Sunday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m. at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2 – 3 p.m. The service will be lived streamed and archived on the Harrisonburg Mennonite Church Website and can also be accessed by using the link below: http://youtube.com/channel/UChUS44arI-DurVDmRWTOHrg/live