L. Rex Miller, 80
Smithville – L. Rex Miller, age 80, of Smithville, passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, following a period of declining health.
Rex had a strong and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He deeply valued his family and desired for them to remain close and grounded in their faith. Rex was born on April 18, 1945, in Wooster, Ohio, to the late Leonard and Marie (Gerig) Miller. He graduated from Smithville High School in 1963 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education from The Ohio State University in 1967. On July 2, 1966, he married Diane Carol Ramsier in Rittman, and together they shared many devoted and loving years of marriage. Diane survives.
Rex began his career teaching vocational agriculture, but farming had always been his true passion and lifelong dream. While attending Ohio State, he began farming, eventually transitioning to it full-time and fulfilling that dream. He farmed for over 40 years before retiring in 2008.
He was a member of Orrville Christian Church, the Smithville Historical Society, the Buckeye Agricultural Museum, the National Farmers Organization, and served for nine years on the National Soybean Checkoff Board. During his time on the board, Rex played a role in the development and promotion of biodiesel, which is now used nationwide.
An innovative and forward-thinking farmer, Rex was an early adopter of soybean production beginning in 1968 and worked with local farmers to supply Loma Linda Foods for use in infant formula. He also implemented ridge tillage practices early on, contributing to conservation efforts, and was honored with the Goodyear Conservation Award. In addition, he was recognized as a 1st place state winner of Ohio’s Outstanding Young Farmer Award by the Ohio Jaycees.
Rex and Diane shared a love of travel and visited all 50 states, as well as the Panama Canal. For more than 30 years, they enjoyed spending winters at their home in Sarasota, Florida. In retirement, Rex became an avid collector and restorer of farm antiques, many of which he generously donated to local museums. He also authored a book titled “In Search of Obedience, God Brought Me to America.”
In addition to his wife, Diane, he is survived by his son, Brad (Tabatha) Miller of Orrville; daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” (Nate) Yutzy of Wooster; son-in-law, Jeremy Gerber of Dalton; six grandchildren, Rhett Miller, Mae Miller, Brandon (Kelsie) Gerber, Brooke (Curtis) Richards, Kayla Yutzy, and Kylie Yutzy; five great-grandchildren, Clara, Miles, and Grace Gerber, and Brenda and Malcom Richards; four siblings, Enid Schloneger of Goshen, Kathy (Tom) Smucker of Smithville, Don (Diane) Miller of Wooster, and Amy (Bob) Sharpe of St. John, Newfoundland; sister-in-law, Joann Miller of Wooster; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda D. Gerber; brother, Robert “Bob” Miller; and brother-in-law, Robert Schloneger.
Friends may call on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Orrville Christian Church, 925 North Elm Street, Orrville, from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and on Friday April 24 from 1-2 p.m. at the church prior to the service.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026 at the church, with Pastor Tom Ledford officiating. Burial will take place at Smithville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, OH 44691, or online at https://www.ohioshospice.org/
Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is assisting the family with arrangements. Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at www.aublefuneralhomes.com.
