Joyce Arlene Miller, 86, entered into her eternal rest on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, after a six-year battle with vascular dementia.
Joyce was born Aug. 12, 1933, in Montgomery County, to Aurey and Ruby Lawton. She enjoyed working during some of her teenage summers detassling corn and after graduating valedictorian from Ladoga High School she was employed by the Maplehurst Dairy. In later years, she volunteered for the Boone County Extension Service.
She married Samuel R. Miller on June 30, 1951, in her childhood home in Ladoga. They farmed in Marion County, Tipton County then settling to the western part of Boone County in 1962. They raised cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, soybeans, dairy cattle and hogs. The couple were blessed with five children, 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Joyce loved participating in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives, through volunteering at their school activities: field trips, reading programs, band events and sporting events. She felt blessed to have a large family whom she adored and cherished.
Joyce was a devoted Christian at the Gadsden Church of Christ for over 55 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Aurey and Ruby Lawton; sister Evelyn Hibbs; and great-granddaughter Dixie Rose.
Survivors include: her loving husband of 68 years, Samuel R. Miller of Advance; children, Dennis Miller and wife Sheri of Colleyville, Texas, Deanna Miller of Advance, Larry Miller and wife Fran of Thorntown, Linda Ranney and husband Todd of Advance and Alan Miller and wife Brenda of rural Lebanon; and grandchildren, Michael Miller, Kacie Miller, Amber Williford, Dustin Miller, Jeffrey Miller, Austin Ranney, Samantha Foy, Joel Ranney, Tristin Miller, Jenna Miller and Elijah Miller.
Visitation is planned from 3-5 p.m. with a memorial service following at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 at Myers Mortuary, 1502 N. Lebanon St., Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boone County 4-H for a bench donated in her name.
Online condolences may be made at www.myersmortuary.com.
