Ernest "Ernie" O. Miller, 89, of Perry Twp., passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024 in Penn State Health St. Joseph, Bern Twp. Ernest was born in Perry Twp., the youngest son of the late Stanley O. and Mabel H. (Hein) Miller. He married Joyce F. (Fox) Miller on April 9, 1955. She passed away on October 18, 1994. He is survived by his wife, Elaine N. (Zimmerman) Miller. They were married on January 4, 1997.

Ernest was a 1953 graduate of Perry High School. Ernie and Joyce began farming in 1959 on a 49 acre farm with 10 head of cattle. In 1983, they formed the partnership of Mil Joy Farms with sons, Scott and Todd. Over the years, he milked registered Holstein cattle, in addition to raising calves and heifers. He believed in farmland preservation and included all of his acreage in the program. Along with farming, he served as Berks County Commissioner from 1991 to 1995 and Judicial Coordinator for Judge Lieberman from 1996 to 1998. Ernie's accomplishments were a direct reflection of the positive outlook he had on life.

He was a life member of Virginville Grange #1832 for seventy-five years, where he served as past master.  He was a past member and master of Berks County Pomona Grange; member of legislative committee and chairperson of executive committee of PA State Grange; Berks County 4-H leader; president and director of Berks County Holstein Club; board member of Berks County Cooperative Extension Service; board member of Berks County Chamber of Commerce; vice-president of PA Ag Republicans; charter and board member of Berks County Land Preservation Board; charter member of PA Milk Promotion Board; public relations chairperson for National Dairy Promotion and Research Board; chairperson of Perry Township Supervisors; charter member and co-chairperson Berks County Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee; board member and loan committee member of Keystone Farm Credit; director and OYF chairperson of Kutztown Jaycees; program development and evaluation committee of PA Holstein Club; life member and board member of Berks County Conservancy; board member of Reading Area Community College; board member of Berks County Conservation District; and board member of the Reading Fair.

Ernest was a member of Zion's Church, Windsor Castle, where he was past president of the joint council.  He hosted foreign students from Russia, Africa and Pakistan and gave many farm tours to school and 4-H children.

Ernie traveled extensively.  He participated in a People to People Tour of China and the Soviet Union; horticulture tour of France, England, Holland, Germany and Switzerland; and the Kutztown University Heritage Tour of Germany.

He received many awards throughout his life: Outstanding Young Farmer of Pennsylvania from the Junior Chamber of Commerce (1968); Outstanding Farm Family of Berks County (1970); PA Master Farmer Award (1973); Honorary American Farmer Degree (1986); and Outstanding Community Leadership Award from Berks County Chamber of Commerce (1989).

Surviving in addition to his wife are his children: Cindy L. (Miller), wife of Daniel "Woody" Weist, Leesport; Sandy L. (Miller), wife of Larry Fryer, Woodstock, Maryland; Scott E. Miller, husband of Lisa, Belleville; and Todd O. Miller, husband of Pattie, Hamburg; seven grandchildren: Jennifer Wise (Steve); Andrew Weist (Kelly); Christopher Weist; Jamie Weist; Crystal Hetrick (John); Adele Thomas (Greg); and Cody Miller (Amanda); and eight great-grandchildren. Ernest was predeceased by his siblings: Carl S. Miller, Paul J. Miller and Anne M. Bailey.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 1pm, at Virginville Grange Hall. Burial will be private in Zion's Cemetery, Perry Twp. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg, is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.LeibenspergerFuneralHomes.com.