Joy S. Miller, 86, of Prairie du Sac/Walworth - Published November 12, 2008

Joy S. Miller, 86, of Prairie du Sac/Walworth, died on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008 at Reedsburg Senior Life Center, surrounded by her loving family. 

Mrs. Miller was born on Jan. 26, 1922 in Tao Hsien, China, the child of missionary parents, Rev. Peter and Clara (Albert) Retzlaff. She entered the United States when she was five years old. She graduated from Juda Union Free High School in 1940, attended North Central College in 1941 and received her teaching certificate from Green County Normal. 

Mrs. Miller successfully taught in a one-room school house before moving on to teach first grade at Sharon where she met Russell, whom she married on Dec. 26, 1945. They moved to Walworth where they owned and operated Miller Cabinet Company.

She changed Russell's life and he felt the calling to the Christian ministry that took them to pastorates throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Mrs. Miller also served as a lay minister. Everything in their lives was shared. She was a warm, kind, loving, person giving her all to those she loved and cared about. She had a passion for playing the piano, singing and sharing those gifts with others. She was truly a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who always placed her love for God and her family above all else. She will be missed more than can be imagined.   Mrs. Miller is survived by a son, David (Kay) Miller, of Baraboo; two daughters, Suzanne (Dennis) Paskey, of Prairie du Sac, Vicky (Boyd) Ditter, of Cascade; three brothers,  James (Jeri), Wesley (Audrey) and Peter (Jeanette); eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rev. Russell E. Miller; three brothers,   Robert, Homer and Paul.

Funeral services were Nov. 5 at the Concordia United Methodist Church in Prairie du Sac with Pastor Jeff Virchow officiating. Burial was in the Walworth Cemetery.

- Joy is a perfect name for a wonderful lady who is now at peace with her Lord and Savior, and in the loving arms of her husband, Russell, the love of her life.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Schonfeld for his devotion, Pastor Jeff Virchow, the staffs of the Senior Life Center of Reedsburg and Home Health United/Hospice for their never-tiring and loving efforts to aid Joy and her family.