" Your mom, always had such a wonderful kind smile. Even though life wasn't the easiest for her she seemed to make the best of it, no matter what. Even though I haven't seen her in years, Barb's life was a blessing to us all. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve her loss but remember all the good times too. -Ginny Wenger"
In loving memory of
Barbara Ellen Miller
September 5, 1934 - July 15, 2020
Kalona-Barbara Ellen Miller was born September 5, 1934, in Kalona, Iowa, the daughter of Emmett and Anna (Helmuth) Swantz. She attended West Lincoln School. Barbara was united in marriage to Henry Eugene Miller on October 24, 1954 at Fairview Mennonite Church. The couple served several years in 1-W doing milk testing before returning to Kalona. Barbara was a member of Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church since 1959. She has been active in the church serving with Henry as trustee, Sunday School teacher and the WMSC. She enjoyed gardening, preserving, quilting, singing and working puzzles. Barbara passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City at the age of 85.
She is survived by three children, Merle L. (Linda) Miller ofTiffin, Carrie (Ezra Glick) Miller and Clair (April) Miller all of Kalona; a son-in-law, Cecil Nissley of Washington; 8 grandchildren, Jannea, Trent, Denton, Monica, April, Isaac, Sarah and Henry Thomas; 6 great grandchildren, Audrey, Jayne, Gabe, Elliott, Wyatt and Grayson; a brother, Chuck (Lorena) Swantz; brother-in-law, Daniel Yoder and two sisters-in-law, Mattie Swantz and Gretchen Swantz all of Kalona. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Audrey Nissley, 3 brothers Wilson, Lewis and Jonas Swantz and 2 sisters Fannie and Amelia.
Celebration of Life Service will be 10:00 am Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church rural Kalona. Burial will be a Fairview Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday at the Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona, from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. The family will greet friends from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A memorial fund has been established for Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church or Iowa City Hospice. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.