Linda Miller

Kalona- Linda Kay (Gingerich) Miller was born the fiery second daughter of Aldine and Wilma Gingerich on Saturday, October 19, 1940. Her dad used to say "The year Linda was born was the beginning of WWII, and the world's never been the same since!" Linda was raised on her parents' farm northwest of Wellman, Iowa. She grew up with older sister Lucy and younger siblings Lee, twins Twila and Francis, and eventually baby sister Brenda. Linda attended school through grade 8 at Little Mid-Prairie school house, across the road from her home, and Iowa Mennonite School for high school. Linda's family was very active in their church, West Union Mennonite. Between school friends, farm life, church activities, and time spent with extended family, Linda's early years were full of activity and fun. Linda started dating Dale Miller while attending IMS. They were high school sweethearts. The couple married February 26, 1959 at West Union Mennonite Church - a Thursday evening, with a small reception at Wilma and Aldine's. Then the adventure began. Over the years Dale and Linda took up residence in several places throughout southeastern Iowa. They lived in Frytown, where son Lonnie...[more]

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s born; Wellman, where Beverly, Rebecca, Connie, Lisa, and Patty were born; West Chester, where Larry and Lynn were born; West Liberty, where Cindy was born; and Iowa City, where Matt was born. Eventually Dale and Linda purchased a small farmstead on Hwy 1, before building their house in Kalona. Church was always a part of the Miller family way of life. Dale and Linda made sure to find a church to attend wherever they lived. The tribe dusted pews at West Union Mennonite, West Liberty Baptist, Sand Town, First Mennonite Church, and East Union Mennonite. Over the years Linda was active in WMSC, served on numerous church committees, and taught vacation Bible school and Sunday school. When feasible Linda worked outside of the home. She worked several years as a nurse aid at the Iowa City Care center, Beverly Manor, and the University Hospital. She ran a daycare from her home for a few years while Matt was little. Linda worked as a classroom associate and in the kitchen for the Iowa City School District, and she also cleaned houses. Linda was many things to many people, but to her children she was always "Mom". Linda was devoted to her family and home life. She kept the home-fires burning while Dale worked 24 hour shifts as an Iowa City firefighter and mechanic. Linda attended school events with or without Dale, and always made sure the kids had all they needed. She learned to stretch a meal and a gallon of milk. No one ever went away hungry and guests were always welcome. To family and visitors alike our "home" was always a welcome place to relax, laugh, quarrel, be real, and be loved. In retirement Dale and Linda spent winters volunteering for SOOP in Texas, Florida, and Arizona; and travelling with their 5 th wheel camper and dog, Nina. Linda made her exit from this life on the morning of February 15, 2022 after a quick two- month decline in health - 11 days before her and Dale's 63rd wedding anniversary. She was 81 years old. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; three sisters - Brenda Stauffer, Lucy Hostetler, and Francis Nafziger; infant daughters Beverly, Rebecca, and Patty; and a grandson Theo Yoder. Linda is survived by her husband Dale; siblings Lee Gingerich (Wellman) and Twila Miller (PA); seven children - Lonnie (and Gail) Miller, Connie (and Larry) Swartzendruber, Lisa (and Dave) Yoder, Larry (and Julia) Miller, Lynn (and Brian) Yoder, Cindy (and John) Grabow, and Matt (and Renae) Miller; 36 grandchildren and spouses, and 19 great grandchildren. A Celebration of life memorial services will be 3 pm Sunday at the East Union Mennonite Church (meal to follow); and a private burial service for family. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 pm Saturday February 19 at Yoder Powell Funeral Home (Kalona). The service will be live streamed on Powell Funeral Home Facebook page and at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. A memorial fund has been established for Hillcrest Academy and the Pleasantview Nursing Home Building Fund. Message and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com