1948-2024
Joan Ann Miller, 76, daughter of Folmer and Frances (Andersen) Walters, was born Feb. 28, 1948, in Carroll. She passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Des Moines.
Joan was baptized June 27, 1948, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Audubon. She attended rural school then when they moved into Audubon, attended high school there, graduating in 1966.
After graduating, she met her husband, Gary Lee Miller, and they were married Sept. 23, 1967, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. They moved to Guthrie County, having Michelle in 1968, and in 1972 bought a farm and having Jill in 1973 and residing there until till their deaths.
Joan did various jobs throughout her married life, ending her last job for 21 years as being self-employed so as to be able to help her husband on the farm when needed. She loved farm life.
Joan was a member of the First Christian Church in Guthrie Center. She had a love for the outdoors, going camping, swimming and hiking, but her favorite was her horse riding and showing. She passed this on to her girls and grandchildren, spending good times with them showing at IASC and trail-riding as a great family sport. Her dogs and cats were also a big part of her family as anyone who knew her would agree. She was active in 4-H and taught dog obedience classes for 10 years and also announced for the 4-H Horse Show for many years. But her greatest love was for her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary; sister, Kathy Boust; brother-in-law, Bill Boust; and sister-in-law, Delores Walters.
Joan is survived by her daughters, Michelle Kay (Kevin) Heckman and Jill Mary (John) Thompson; grandchildren, Chris (Carly) Heckman, Colton Heckman, Clairissa Thompson, Katelyn Thompson, and Kaden Thompson; and great-granddaughter, Lainey Ann Heckman, all of Guthrie Center; brother, Gary (Sandy) Walters of Atlantic; sister, Judy (Gary) Duffield of Fort Dodge; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center. Joan’s wishes were for those attending the graveside service to bring one of their favorite flowers to place on her grave, if you wish. Following the graveside services, a celebration of life and luncheon will be held at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, Guthrie Center.
Twigg Funeral Homes is entrusted with her services.