Miriam E Filppula

Miriam E. Filppula, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 in Sebring, FL. She was born on June 23, 1931 in Lisbon, OH to the late Stan and May (Foden) Rice. Miriam had been a resident of Avon Park since 1954 having come from East Liverpool, OH. She was a member of the Avon Park Church of the Nazarene where she played the piano. Miriam liked to garden and travel. She was very active in the community; and was the owner of Ridge Bakery in Avon Park. Miriam worked at the Highlands County School Board; taught at Avon Elementary; was a coordinator at ESOL at SFCC; and was Missionary President at the Church of Nazarene. Miriam is survived by her husband of 63 years: Kenneth Filppula; children: Kent (Lisa) Filppula of Sebring, FL; Janet Filppula of Jefferson, TX; Dean Filppula of Bivins, TX; Julia (Bill) Springer of Sebring, FL; sister: Jane Filppula of East Liverpool, OH; five grandchildren; one step-grandchild; five great-grandchildren; two step-great grandchildren; nieces: Susan Johler and Deanna Filppula. Visitation for family and friends will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the Church of Nazarene in Avon Park with a Funeral Service to follow at 4 p.m. Burial will be held on Monday, July 11, 2016 at Sarasota National Cemetery.