Mary Louise Miller

June 6, 1909-Jan. 9, 2007

Mary Louise Miller, 97, Greencastle, died Tuesday at Asbury Towers.

Born in Rockford, Ill., she was the daughter of M. Sumner and Harriet Miller.

A 1930 graduate of Rockford College, she received her master's degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1935. She taught physical education and chemistry at Heidelberg College from 1935-42. Leaving Heidel-berg, she came to DePauw Univer-sity where she remained until her retirement in 1974. At DePauw, she headed the women's physical education department from 1960-74 and had the rank of full professor from 1965-74.

She was nationally known in the area of aquatics and held offices in the Women's National Aquatic Forum. She served on the executive committee of the Association of Synchronized Swimming from 1956-60. She authored several articles related to athletics which appeared in The American Journal of Physiology, The Soccer Guide and the Aquatic Guide. In 1972 life honorary membership was bestowed on her by the Women's National Aquatics Forum. She also was a recipient of the Rockford College Annual Alumni Award of Distinction in 1990. In 1993, Miller was inducted into the DePauw University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1996 she was awarded the Putnam County Community Foundation's Spirit of Philan-thropy Award. She was a major Foundation donor and active member of its board of directors.

She is survived by several cousins.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 in the third floor chapel at Asbury Towers, 102 W. Poplar St., Greencastle. Friends are invited to attend this service.

Memorial donations should be directed to The Putnam County Commun-ity Foundation, 2 S. Jackson St., Greencastle, 46135.

Burial will be in Rockford, Ill.

Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, Greencastle, is handling arrangements.