Hornell, NY

Barbara J. Miller – 77 – a resident of Maple City Rehab Nursing Facility, Hornell, died Tuesday evening (February 17, 2026) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.

She was born in Buffalo on October 29, 1948 and grew up in Canaseraga in the home of Edward & Ina Dieter.  Barb attended Canaseraga Central School before moving to Hornell with her foster parents, Don & Sharon Rollins.  She was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1970).

Barb was employed as a nurse’s aide at St. James Hospital for a number of years.  She also served as a housekeeper in many capacities in Hornell and Arizona.

A football and hockey fan, Barb enjoyed watching and cheering for the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, and she loved watching the hockey fights!  She was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church in Hornell.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Donald Rice, Jr.; foster parents, Edward & Ina Dieter and Don Rollins.

Surviving are her children, Raquel “Rae” (John Mulligan) Rice of Hornell, Damion Rice of Hornell, & Angie Jackson of Hornell; foster mother, Sharon (Rollins) McGraff; foster siblings, Greg Rollins, Doug Rollins, Dona Rollins, Francis Raymond, Faye Sarvis, Diane Roosa, Joyce Sarvis, David Mastin, and Jeff Mastin; many grandchildren, nieces, & nephews, and her dear friend, Mary.

To honor Barb’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Memorial contributions in Barb’s name may be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.