Woman Killed in Grain Bin Accident
Published: Friday, April 18, 2025
A 58-year-old Mishawaka woman, described as a hard worker and dedicated 4-H volunteer, died last week in a grain bin accident near Inwood in Marshall County.
Marilyn K. Miller, who was a co-owner of DeClark Farms, was working inside a grain bin to loosen crusted soybeans last Thursday morning. The bin was three-quarters full, and the auger was in operation at the time.
According to a news release from the Marshall County Coroner's Office, a 911 call was placed shortly before 10 a.m. of an individual caught in a grain bin. Fire departments from Plymouth, Bremen and Argos responded to the call and found the deceased's body in the bin.
Marshall County Coroner Dean Byers said Miller was pulled into the soybeans when the grain began to move downward toward the auger. An autopsy revealed mechanical asphyxiation as the official cause of death.
Miller was also a past Madison Twp. 4-H leader and was a strong 4-H supporter.
Debbie Grabowski, Madison Twp. 4-H coordinator, said she served with Miller on the 4-H board for several years. She knew her very well and said Miller was known for her can-do attitude.
"She was one of the hardest working women any of us have ever known," Grabowski said. "She just gave of herself."
Miller served as treasurer of the Madison Twp. 4-H club for many years. Although she stepped off the board last year, she was still involved behind the scenes.
Her sudden death saddens many in the tight-knit 4-H community.
"We're heartbroken that she's gone," Grabowski said. "She was a nice person who just unselfishly gave of her time."
Toni Shafer serves on the Madison Twp. 4-H board. She said Miller was a 4-H leader and served on the 4-H advisory board.
"It's just so sad, because she was one of the nicest, hardest-working people that you'd ever want to meet," Shafer said. "She would do anything for you."
On 4-H auction day at the fair, Shafer said Miller would help run sale tickets to the bidders. Sometimes she would bid on livestock herself.
"I can't say enough nice things about her," Shafer said.
Miller's daughter, Lindsey, was a 10-year 4-H member. She showed beef and sheep at the fair. She graduated from Purdue University and now works as a nurse.
In addition to their beef and crops farm, Miller and her husband also owned a propane business, D&M Propane. Shafer said Marilyn always helped people who were in need.
"You asked Marilyn to do anything, and she was right there," Shafer said, "right along with her husband or any of the guys who worked for them. She never shied away from anything."
Referring to her work ethic, Shafer said Miller was exemplary.
"Those type of people are few and far between, especially in women," Shafer said. "I can't name 10 women in the community that worked nearly as hard or were as driven as she was."
Marilyn (DeClark) Miller was born Dec. 1, 1966 to Tom DeClark and the late Joan DeClark. On Aug. 10, 1996, she married David Miller, who survives. Also surviving are her daughter, Lindsey Miller; her father; and a brother, John DeClark.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
Donations in Marilyn's honor may be made to the Madison Twp. 4-H Club, 65700 Dogwood Rd., Wakarusa.
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