Joleen Sue Miller

 Jolene Sue (Wedel) Miller, our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, was born to Everett and Dorothy Wedel in Halstead, Kansas, on July 12, 1959. She was baptized on April 30, 1972, by her uncle, Minister Abe E. Nikkel in Inman, Kansas. She moved with her family to El Campo as a teenager. There she met, and later was married to me, Gary Miller, on October 13, 1979, by Minister Elmer Boehs. We shared life's journey for 44 years. We lived in many different places, making life-long friends, ending up in Pecos, Texas. A highlight of our lives was spending a term in Malawi.

Jo, as dad fondly called her, was a wonderful wife and mother. We children never questioned mom's love for us, and as the children married, the in laws experienced the same unconditional love from mom, always feeling secure in her love. Dad and Mom enjoyed teasing each other and discussing many different topics. They were truly best friends. As they served those around them, they made a great team, each bringing out the best in each other. Mom hoped to enjoy a family of six children, and she realized that wish. We children never felt we were getting in the way of her dreams; we were her dream. She loved giving gifts, and Christmas was a special time for her. The kitchen was her happy place, and many people enjoyed the hospitality of Mom and Dad's table. In summer, her table overflowed with all kinds of vegetable dishes, made with produce from folks' garden. Mom loved her flowers and enjoyed nature, taking many walks. She supported Dad in the ministry, gladly accepting the added responsibilities, and had a real gift for serving others. She was keenly interested in people's lives, hurts, and dreams. A great listener, she was an inspiration and encouragement to those around her. She taught us many lessons, including the one of acceptance, saying "Life is not fair." Even as her health declined, re rarely complained, though she suffered extreme pain from arthritis and ongoing surgeries. Mom cultivated a positive outlook. Her Christian life was important to her; we often found her praying in her room or reading her Bible. Her unfailing advice was to "trust the Lord." We have joy knowing that, by the grace of God and through the blood of the Savior, Mom has made it safely home.

Mom passed away unexpectedly on October 3, 2023, while on a sight-seeing trip to the New England states with Dad. She was so excited to finally see coastal Maine. She spent her last day seeing beautiful sights and ended the day by seeing the most beautiful sight of all. Sixty-four years doesn't seem long enough, and Mom would have stayed for our sakes, but God saw she had suffered enough and took her home.

Left with aching hearts are her husband Gary, Pecos, Texas; six children - Jeremy & Sheila Miller, El Campo, Texas; Abby & Paul Anthony, Homeworth, Ohio; Luke & Jana Miller, Lake Providence, Louisiana; Gabe & Colleen Miller, El Campo, Texas; Karissa & Jace Giesbrecht, Lakin, Kansas; and Jonathan of the home - as well as, thirteen grandchildren; two brothers, David & Tamm, Tampa, Florida; Patrick & Marissa, Barron, Wisconsin, parents in law Wayne & Evelyn Miller, Moundridge, Kansas; brothers in law Greg & Marilyn Miller, Dumas, Arkansas; and Gale & MaryBeth Miller, Fairview, Oklahoma, as well as, many friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by both of her parents.