Joan C. Miller

Joan C. Miller, 76, of Merriam, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2011, at the Kansas City Hospice House.

Joan was born November 4, 1935 to the late Clemens and Catherine Rieke in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Our Lady of Mercy College and Convent in Cincinnati. Joan married Rodney Miller on September 15, 1956 in Cleveland. She was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, as well as the Third Order of Carmelites. Joan lived her Catholic faith on a daily basis and was deeply involved with the Carmelites and her Parish. Joan also enjoyed a career in nursing which began at Glenridge Hospital in Ballston Lake, NY. After moving to the Kansas City area she continued nursing at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, then on to Bethany Hospital where she worked in the Neonatal Unit, which was her passion, then finally at Sharon Lane Nursing Home. She had a love for the arts and music, and later in life enjoyed spending time knitting and sewing for family and friends. Joan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. Joan is survived by her loving husband of over 55 years, Rodney; four daughters, Sharon Miller; Michelle Miller; Lisa Miller and partner Pat Phillips; Denise Newkirk and husband David; two sons, Rodney Miller, II; David Miller and wife Erin and ten grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee; a Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Thursday, January 5, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203, followed by burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made in lieu of flowers to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.