Obituary of Janet M Miller

Janet McDowell Miller of Steubenville, Ohio, and Chautauqua, NY, passed away on July 25,

2022. Born on August 31, 1925 in Steubenville to the late John and Marjorie McDowell, Janet

graduated from Steubenville Big Red (1943), then earned a BA in Music Education (1947) from

Muskingum College. She had been living at the Absolut Care nursing facility in Westfield, NY at

the time of her death. Until recently, Janet spent every summer at Chautauqua Institution,

dating back to the late 1950’s.

In 1951 she married her beloved husband Andrew “Andy” William Miller, who predeceased her

in 2001. Janet had a storied and varied life in music. She served as organist and choir director

of the First United Presbyterian and Westminster churches in Steubenville. She was the music

director for numerous musicals produced by the Steubenville Players and also performed as the

accompanist on both piano and organ for the Civic Choral Society where, along with working

alongside wonderful musicians and singers, she relished the opportunity of making music with

Dave Brubeck on numerous occasions.

Janet was an active member of her cherished Chautauqua Motet Choir’s alto section from the

mid-1970’s through 2018. She played organ and piano for various Chautauqua concerts and

programs including the Hall of Philosophy Vespers Service and Hebrew Services in Hurlbut

Church, as well as for performances in the Hall of Christ and the Amphitheater. She frequently

served as Jared Jacobsen’s renowned “paginator” for Sunday services in the Amp. She taught

music in the Steubenville public schools for many years while also providing private piano

lessons for local budding musicians.

Janet was the endlessly devoted and loving mother of four sons: Douglas Andrew (Carol

Ramsey) of Los Angeles, Gregory John (Bijou Clinger) of New York City, Jeffrey Richard (Karin

Burkhart) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Daniel McDowell (Leslie Webb) of Phoenix, MD. She is survived

by ten treasured grandchildren: Nathaniel, Maren, Katharine, Graham, Sara, Samuel, Juliet,

Solon, Elijah and Paige, plus three great-grandchildren: Aida, Alma and Zora. She is also

survived by her dear brother-in-law William Rhinehart, husband of her late and adored sister

Mary, as well as their six children whom Janet held so very dear to her heart.

Janet’s husband of 49 years, Andy, the former Mayor of Steubenville (1960-70), was the love of

her life. Janet was an avid lover of music, all things Chautauqua, and gatherings of friends. But

together with Andy she placed family above all else.

Janet will be remembered for her kindness, witty sense of humor, friendly and gentle

demeanor, beauty, giving nature and propensity for welcoming all – the more the merrier – into

her homes and into her life. Her sons will hold a memorial service in Chautauqua on August 13

in Hurlbut Church. They will also hold a modest interment ceremony in Steubenville in

September.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St. Westfield, NY. Please share condolences at www.masonfuneral.com

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