Cletus Miller, age 63 of Defiance, peacefully passed away with his wife by his side on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born in Defiance on June 28, 1963 to the late Donald and Jane (Swary) Miller. Cletus was a 1981 graduate of Defiance High School and earned his Associate Degree from Hocking Hills Technical College in 1983. On August 2, 1986 he married the love of his life, Julie Hostettler who survives.

Cletus was a member of Knights of Columbus, a faithful member of St. John's Catholic Church, and enjoyed volunteering at the food pantry. He started working at Chief Supermarket as a bag boy at the age of 15 and worked his way up to Vice President. He then bought other stores in Indiana with Todd Taylor until his retirement in 2023. Cletus loved his animals, and enjoyed riding his motorcycle and bicycle, swimming, and traveling with Julie to Florida during the winter months. Cletus always had a positive attitude and a smile to share.

Cletus is survived by his loving wife Julie Miller of Defiance, his brother Thom (Karen) Miller, and his nephew, Jackson (Karina) Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Jane Miller.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with a Rosary Service at 6:00 pm by the Knights of Columbus. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 3rd at St. John Catholic Church, with Fr. Kevin McGraw officiating. Cletus will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

The family requests not to send flowers, plants, blankets, etc. Memorial donations can be directed to St. Mary Food Pantry, St. Vincent de Paul, or Ft. Defiance Humane Society.