MIDDLEBURY [mdash] Ernest "Ernie" Leroy Miller, 81, of Middlebury, passed away unexpectedly at 6:37 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at his residence. He was born Feb. 22, 1944, in LaGrange County, to Tobe and Elizabeth (Yoder) Miller. With his first marriage to Mary Ann Roderick, Ernest shared the joy of raising their four children. The marriage was later dissolved. On July 6, 2009, in Goshen, he married Cynthia "Cindy" Snider. She survives. Survivors in addition to his wife, Cindy, are two daughters, Angela L. Miller, Jennifer A. Miller; two sons, Matthew A. (Kara) Miller, Joshua M. Miller, all of Goshen; the mother of his children, Mary Ann (Roderick) Miller; two stepsons, Justin (Audra) Kauffman of Noblesville, Travis (Jen) Kauffman of Noblesville; two stepdaughters, Kayla (Curtis) Kauffman of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, Kelsey (Mitch) McLane of Goshen; stepson-in-law, Bryan Roberts of St. Johns, Michigan; four grandchildren, Declyn Z., Preston X., Felicity J., and Kennedie K. Miller; 12 step-grandchildren; two sisters, Loretta Troyer, Mary Ellen Drust of White Pigeon, Michigan; brother, Danny (Denise) Miller of Cassville, Wisconsin; and chess partner (nephew), John Drust. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepdaughter, Carrie Roberts; brother, Lloyd Miller. Ernie was a graduate of Middlebury High School in 1962 and had fond memories of being on the basketball team. After graduating, he entered the workforce doing mostly construction work for local companies (including Yutzy Construction and Martin Brother Builders). Most of his working career was with NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) supporting and advocating for local small businesses. He was a huge foodie and loved to share meals with his family at the best restaurants, no matter the distance. He loved to play chess and would frequently visit Disney World as a favorite vacation destination. Visitation will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 S. Main St., Middlebury. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, also at the funeral home. Services will be conducted by pastor Jason Rohde. Burial will be in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury. Memorials may be given to the NMC Foster Adoptive Ministry. Online condolences may be offered at millerstewartfuneralhome.com.