Esther J. (Craft) Miller

Dr. Esther J. Miller 

YORK HAVEN - Dr. Esther J. (Craft) Miller, 88 of York Haven, PA, passed away, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at York North Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in York.  She was the wife of the late Dr. Edmund M. Miller who passed away March 30, 2016. They had celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 3, 2011. 

Dr. Miller was born on February 6, 1937, in York Haven, PA and was the daughter of the late James W. Craft and Iva E. (Hykes) Craft.

She graduated in 1955 from Manchester Senior High School, Indiana State University with a BS in 1959, Shippensburg State University with a M. ED in 1966, and the University of Minnesota with a Ph. D in 1974.  Dr. Miller took additional classes at Penn State University and York College of PA.  She worked for the University of Minnesota, Suburban School District, Northeastern School District and lastly West York Area School District.  She was employed for over 30 years in the field of education.  Dr. Esther J. Miller retired as Assistant Superintendent at West York Area School District after 26 years of service.  During her tenure she also was a Secondary teacher, High School Principal, a Guidance Counselor, and a Superintendent of Schools. 

Dr. Miller was active at the former St. Paul Lutheran Church in York Haven for much of her life.  She served on the Church Council in several roles, including President of the Council.  She enjoyed traveling with numerous trips to Europe and Alaska.  One of her favorite travel visits included the Raptor Rehabilitation Center in Sitka, Alaska with an aging eagle spokesman named Volta. 

She is survived by her sister, Mary Margaret Craft of Landisburg, PA as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her two brothers, James Craft and Stanley Craft.  

Her funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM, Friday, February 6, 2026, at Diehl Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 87 South Main Street, Mount Wolf, PA.  Her viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:30 AM Friday at the funeral home.  Her burial will be in Manchester Union Cemetery in Manchester, PA.  Officiating at her service will be Reverend Suzanne Elliott, her niece.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Social Services of York, PA; the Northeastern Senior Center in Mount Wolf, PA or to the Edmund and Esther Miller Scholarship Fund, c/o YCCF at 14 West Market Street, York, PA 17401.

The family would like to thank the staff at York North Skilled Nursing Center and Serenity Hospice for the care they provided Esther.

To share memories of Dr. Miller, please visit www.diehlfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Esther J. (Craft) Miller, please visit our floral store.