Joan
K. Miller, 77, passed away January 18, 2009 at the Marias Care Center from
natural causes. Funeral Mass will be held at
11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22 at
St. William’s Catholic Church
followed by burial at the Mountain View Cemetery . Whitted
Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements. Condolences for the family may be sent
to
www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.
Joan is survived by her daughters, Mary Jo (John) Lollis of San Diego and Kami (Dave) Peel of Helena; her sons Chip (Brenda) of Shelby, Bob of Valier, and Rich and Tom of San Diego; her grandchildren Kyle, Meghan, Craig, Joel, Rick, Carly, Robby and Carter; her sister Karen Erickson and niece Tracy of Minneapolis; and her brother-in-law Mick (Linda) Miller of Holter Lake. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Jack, and her infant son, Vincent.
Joan was born in Minot, North Dakota , on March 9, 1931, to Vincent and Claire Kielty. She was raised in Bismarck, graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1949 and attended college at St. Catherine’s for two years. She married Jack Miller in 1953 and together they started their family in Billings before settling in Shelby in 1966, where she resided until the time of her passing. Joan was a homemaker most of her life and will be remembered for her many home makeovers, usually when Jack was out of town. She opened business ventures with each new passion, which included silk flowers, yarn and sewing supplies, childrens clothing and her favorite, a quilt shop where she focused on teaching and mentoring those who shared her love of quilting.
Joan was a member of St. Williams Catholic Church as well as numerous civic organizations over the years. She enjoyed playing bridge (where she obtained the status of Life Master), sewing and quilting, and going to flea markets and auctions in search of weird and funky collectibles. Though she struggled with numerous health challenges the past few years, her youthful spirit, quick wit and unique sense of humor were ever present. She was truly one-of-a-kind and will be missed by her family and her many friends.
Memorials in Joan’s name can be directed to Champions Park (City of Shelby ), SHS Track Fund, VFW Flag Committee or the charity of the donor’s choice.