Loretta Ann Miller, 93, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on May 1, 2026. Born June 26, 1932, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Loretta’s life was shaped early by faith, family, and the steady movement that came with her father’s pastoral calling—an upbringing that carried her from West Virginia to Mississippi, and later to Missouri, where she graduated from high school in 1950. A committed student with a lifelong readiness to learn, she continued on to William Jewel College, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1954. She then pursued her master’s degree in social work at the University of Louisville.
While attending school at the university, Loretta met her late husband, Richard Fahrner, Sr. and the two were married in 1955. After the two were married, they settled in Ann Arbor where Richard, Sr. was an attorney. Together they welcomed their first child, Nancy Kotman, and their son, Richard Fahrner Jr. In 1964, Richard passed away—an immense loss that marked a difficult chapter in Loretta’s life. Yet even in sorrow, she carried herself with quiet resolve. Through a blind date arranged by a friend, Loretta met John Miller in 1965. John, an engineer at Ford, soon became her partner in the next season of life; they married and welcomed their son, Jim Miller. Though Loretta maintained her love of travel and moved often through the years, by 1992 the family settled in the Holland area, where they spent the rest of their lives together until John passed in 2012.
In Holland, Loretta devoted 25 years of work to Freedom village, serving others with steady patience and a genuine tenderness that made people feel seen. In time, she became a resident there herself, a full-circle reflection of a life spent showing up for others. Loretta was easy to talk to, and she had a natural way of offering guidance when it was needed—practical, clear, and rooted in care. She loved gardening and growing her own flowers, and her sons fondly remember being called upon to help create the new garden beds that made her visions possible. She cherished time with her daughter, Nancy, especially their “girl time,” shopping for new school clothes and stopping at JL Hudsons for a salad afterward—simple traditions that became lasting memories.
Above all, Loretta’s life was anchored in faith. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and she shared that love through her long involvement with Christ Memorial Church, where she worshiped as a congregation member, served, and encouraged others for many years.
Loretta was preceded in death by her father, Rev. James E McDonald; her mother, Loretta McDonald; her husbands, Richard Fahrner Sr. and John Miller; her sister, Patricia McDonald; her brother, Ed McDonald; and her grandchild, Danielle Fahrner. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (David) Kotman; her sons, Rick (Cheryl) Fahrner Jr. and Jim (Amy) Miller; her brother Keith McDonald; and also, by 10 Grandkids, 13 great-grandkids, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James Street, Holland, Michigan 49424, on May 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Funeral Service will follow on May 7, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI 49422, US, or online at https://christmemorial.org/.
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