"My deepest sympathy Milo, DiAnna, Beaver and to your families. I shared many a meal with her while we both worked in Keota and she was so very proud of you all. I'm sure your dad was waiting for her with open arms. Many good memories of her while living close while growing up with you. "
In loving memory of
JoAnne M. Miller
February 27, 1929 - February 7, 2018
HARPER-JoAnne M. Miller, age 88, of Harper, died Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
JoAnne was born February 27, 1929, in rural Harper, to Leo and Helen (Nicoli) Rettler and graduated from St. Elizabeth High School. On August 28, 1947, she married Milo D. Miller at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Harper. A lifelong resident of Harper, JoAnne worked at the Keota Eagle for several years and also was a waitress at Harper House and Weber's Steakhouse. She was a member of the Keokuk County Bowl Hall of Fame and enjoyed bowling, camping, traveling and going to her grandkids' sporting events. She dearly loved taking care of her outside cats.
Survivors include three children: Milo (Mary Lou) Miller II of Savanna, Illinois, DiAnna Mears of Cedar Rapids and Beaver (Vickie) Miller of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Milo (Jennifer) Miller III, Troy (Chenoa) Miller, Brett Miller, Bradley (Jamie) Mears, Ashley (Chad) Albert, Brittany (Jacob) Mears, Kari Albers, USN Ret. and Keli (Josh) Knuth; 12 great grandchildren and special friends: Jeanette and Lee. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Milo in 2005; three sisters and two brothers.
Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 12, 2018, at Holy Trinity Parish - St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota, with Rev. Charles Fladung officiating. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemeteries - St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Harper. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 11, 2018, at Powell Funeral Home in Keota, where there will be a wake service and rosary at 2:00 p.m.
A memorial fund has been established for the animal shelter of your choice or the University of Iowa Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for JoAnne and her family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"JoAnne was always a happy spirit . I remember her as a teenager when I carried the paper to the Rettler household in Harper. She spread happiness, Ken Willis "
"I will always remember your mom's big smile and how sweet she always was. When mom was dying she came everyday and brought food and big smiles to us. My favorite was her chicken noodle soup. So thoughtful. Many prayers and hugs to your family."
"We are so sorry to hear this. She was such a nice person. May the God of all comfort help you to endure. Prayers from western Kansas. Karla and Louie Herman"
"To the family of JoAnne Miller, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mom and Dad have shared many good memories of JoAnne's friendship. The Leon and Rose Leinen family"
"To the family of JoAnne Miller. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of JoAnne. She was a great friend to me when we bowled several leagues together. Joann and Milo were like second parents to me. Went on a lot of bowling tournaments together. She will be deeply missed. I think about her all the time wishing I was back in Iowa to have seen her more often. may she rest in peace"
"Miller family, We are so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I am sure you have many memories that will be treasured forever. I used to work with Milo II at the Post Office in Cedar Rapids IA many years back. Please accept our sympathies. Woody & Karen Swartzendruber"