Sr. Amata Miller, IHM, age 93, died Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving IHM family.
Sr. Amata Miller began life as Alice Rose Miller on Nov. 30, 1932, daughter of John and Ruth (Munson) Miller of Detroit, Michigan. She attended Hally Elementary School in Detroit and then Immaculata High School, staffed by the IHM Sisters.
After graduation, she entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Monroe) and received the religious name, Sr. Amata. She began her teaching ministry at Christ the King and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Detroit and at Holy Name in Birmingham.
Sr. Amata was a gifted student, and the IHM community supported her in earning a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College, a master’s degree in economics from St. Louis University and a doctorate in economics from the University of California, Berkeley.
As a well-regarded professional in economics, Sr. Amata spent many years as a professor of economics at Marygrove College, St. Edward’s University in Austin, and the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. At Network in Washington, D.C., she led social justice work through education as a staff economist and education coordinator. With her vast experience, she was a consultant to business and government throughout the United States and was an early proponent of utilizing stock options to challenge work practices of corporations. She was dedicated to the IHM community and served in congregational stewardship for over ten years as the coordinator of material resources.
In 2022, Sr. Amata moved home to Monroe. As a resident of the Motherhouse, her commitment to the liberating mission of Jesus was lived through her “sole ministry” of prayer, dedicated to justice for people and situations around the world, especially those who suffered oppression.
Sr. Amata is survived by her sister, Mary L. Miller, and her IHM Sisters in community. She was preceded in death by her brother, John R., and her sister, Anne Heilman.
Services will be held at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, on Friday, October 23, 2026. Welcoming of the body begins at 9 a.m., followed by a Remembering and Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Streaming begins at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162-7909.
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