Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Miller

Elizabeth (Liz) Ann Miller, 78, of Niles, Michigan passed away on December 5, 2025 peacefully at her home. She was born on November 21, 1947 in Kendallville, Indiana to Donald Roy and Julia Ruby (Cary) Mayer.  On June 22, 1968 Liz married the love of her life, Lloyd Lee Miller, in Bronson, Michigan, who preceded her in death.  She is survived by daughter Jennifer (Lonnie) Hoover, of Buchanan, Michigan; son Jeremy (Jill) Miller, of Spring Lake, Michigan, and her four grandchildren Jacob Hoover, Matthew Hoover, Ellie Miller, and Emma Miller as well as her sister Louise (Larry) Miller of Greensboro, North Carolina and brothers Lynn (Jo) Mayer, John (Janet) Mayer, James (Martha) Mayer and Stan Mayer along with many other loving relatives.

Liz graduated from Bronson Michigan High School in June, 1965 and matriculated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education in 1969 and a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Personnel in 1971 from Western Michigan University. Liz’s formative years were prior to Title IX, but she found ways to participate in intramurals at Bronson High School and played field hockey and volleyball for the Broncos. In 1994, she was inducted into the Western Michigan Hall of Fame and in 2012 she was selected for the Bronson High School Hall of Fame.

After graduation from Western, Liz began teaching in Galien, Michigan where she taught the entire school district’s physical education classes as well as started and coached the first female programs in basketball, softball, track, and volleyball.

In 1973, she was hired to start the women's athletic program at Lake Michigan College and coached basketball, softball, and volleyball. In 1978, she was named LMC’s Athletic Director, becoming the first female Athletic Director for both men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic programs in the state of Michigan. Liz led her teams to 12 NJCAA National Tournament appearances and numerous conference, state, and regional titles. Her impressive coaching record at LMC across all sports totaled 1,047-331. Miller's softball teams became national powerhouses with a 541-143 record (.792 winning percentage), the second highest total in NJCAA history at the time. From 1981-1985, LMC finished in the nation's top five, and from 1987-1991 the team ranked in the top 10. Miller earned Region XII Softball Coach of the Year honors 10 times from 1980-1990.  In 1987, Liz, along with Lloyd, were awarded the Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award for advancing the cause of Lake Michigan College and higher education. LMC’s athletics office suite and their new softball field were both named in honor of Liz and her family for their contributions to Lake Michigan College.

Liz became the head coach of the University of Notre Dame’s softball team in 1993.  Over the course of her nine years at Notre Dame, she led the team to nine conference regular-season titles, earned five conference coach-of-the-year awards, and compiled a 376-156 (.707) record. While at Notre Dame, the Irish won over 30 games every season during her tenure and made six NCAA Championship appearances. In 2005, Liz was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

In addition to all of her on-field accomplishments, Liz was proud of her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with her on and off the field friends. Throughout her life, Liz was generous with her time, including volunteering to coach numerous athletic teams for all ages, and famously hosting impromptu practices for anyone who showed up at the field or court.  In keeping with her family upbringing, she served as President of the Buchanan Garden Club for many years and beautified Buchanan with fresh flowers and a pristine “Welcome to Buchanan” sign. 

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025 and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. December 20, 2025 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana with funeral services to follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. 

Memorial gifts in Liz Miller’s name can be made to the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation mgcf.org. For online condolences, please visit kaniewski.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Miller, please visit our floral store.