Jeannie Miller

Betty Jean "Jeannie" Rupe Miller, loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend departed this world on April 8, 2016, and joined her dear family members already in Heaven. She was born on the family farm 92 years ago on May 20, 1923, in the small community of Paradise, Missouri. Her parents, Gladys Leotha Trant Rupe and Frank Ralstone Rupe, pulled up their roots and planted them in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was here that Jeannie grew up. Shortly after the big move, her sister Virginia Odell was born followed, several years later, by Norma Joan. It was a close knit family influenced greatly by her grandmother Mable Baily Trant and was the foundation for her deep love and devotion to her own family. She was an exceptional woman to all who knew her. Her love, kindness, generosity and forgiving nature had no boundaries. This was especially true for her extended family as well as her four daughters; Carole Jean, Linda K. Sandra Lee and Valerie Jo. The greatest love of her life was for her husband Josephus "Joe" Miller. They were married on October 8, 1942 and spent 53 bliss filled years together. Ever since his death on October 27, 1995, she longed for the time when they would be reunited. Jeannie was a valiant spirit who faced many challenges including surviving Cancer three times. She definitely was a survivor who truly understood how to turn lemons into lemonade. This capability was passed on to her descendants. She also instilled in them other virtues such as; serving others with a happy heart, keeping dedicated to their families, forgiving others, never letting the sun set before giving a much needed "I'm sorry" to the offended person and keeping a positive attitude even on the darkest of days. It was always "put on your happy face." As far as she was concerned, there were few occasions that allowed one to "wear a ugly face". She entered the work force when her youngest child entered first grade. She felt blessed to use her skill as an accountant, first for Brian Hawkins her brother-in-law in his accounting firm and then for Roark Chevrolet. She remained with the dealership when it changed hands and became Phil Reed Chevrolet. However in 1975 Jeannie felt she had found her "nitch" when she became a special aide teacher's aide at Chaparral School working with developmentally disabled children. She stayed in that position until she retired in 1988. No matter where she was, Jeannie was loved and respected by all who knew her. She was active in Brownies, the Summer Swimming program, Cotillion, Beta Sigma Society and she sang alto with The Sweet Adelines. She and her husband Joe attended many school functions both as part of the audience and as chaperones. They also danced weekly with a local square dancing club. In addition, they held memberships at the local Country Club where they went frequently. They enjoyed volunteering at the Special Olympics and never missed a special event. They were also active in the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. She made many friends through these activities and they remained her friends until their deaths. Jeannie had a long, rich family life filled with love and laughter which enabled her to weather any problems she encountered. Her family was the center of her life and she considered it her greatest accomplishment. Besides her four daughters Carole Jean Miller Wood, Linda K. Miller, Sandra Miller Mc Cain Clifford, and Valerie Jo Miller-Brandon, she has seven grandchildren: Lara wood Anderson, Russel Wood, Billy Joe Wood, Elizabeth Wood, Sarah Wood Champoux, Stacie Brandon-Brassell and Joshua Ryan Mc Cain. Joshua died in May 2004 at the age of 18 after a long bout with Cancer. His mother, Sandra Lee followed him in 2008 from complications due to diabetes. Also preceding Jeannie in death were her sister Norma Joan in July 1971, her mother in June 1975, her father in September1986, and her son-in-law Ron Brandon in October 2012. Jeannie also has fourteen great grandchildren: Megan, Ian, and Lauren Anderson, (Lara's children), Justin, Marshal, Liam, and Bela Wood, ( Russel's children); Zarah and Orion Champoux and Calee Wiltse, ( Sarah's children), Brianna and Blake Brassell, (Stacie's children), and Johnathon and Stacie Boggs, (Billy Joe's children). In addition, she has three Great, Great grandchildren: Aiden, Allison, and Hazel Wood, ( Justin's children). She is survived by her sister Virginia Beers, Cousin Betty Jo Stevens with whom she was raised, sister-in--laws Loretta Miller and Jody Miller, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Throughout her life the glue that held things together was her trust in Jesus Christ to whom she believed her soul went when she left this world. She often spoke of the great "reunion" of her entire family. According to her belief, "Families are forever" and we believe she anxiously awaits this reunion. The viewing will be held at Getz Funeral Home on Tuesday, the 19th of April from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held Friday, April 29th at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Idaho Chapel located at 2915 East Idaho Avenue off of Telshor. The service will be followed by the interment at Hill Crest Memorial Gardens Cemetery located at 5140 West Picacho Avenue. A donation to support the local non-profit, no kill, Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary is suggested in lieu of flowers. For further information on the Sanctuary call 1-575-805-5338. PDF Printable Version