Russell Miller

July 18, 2012

Russell Miller

Service Details

Russell Ivan Miller, 71, went to be with our Lord Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

Russ was born April 7, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa, to John Henry Miller and Viva Mae (Rhoades) Miller Vardo. He was raised by his mother and step-father, Bert Vardo, and lived in Des Moines and Newton before moving to Colfax. After graduating from Colfax High School in 1960, he resided in Altoona, moving to Mitchellville in 2006.

Russ retired from Armstrong Pirelli with 33 years of service in 1994, at the time the company became Titan Tire. He then worked several part-time jobs over the next 14 years, including Lutz Pharmacy, Hope Lutheran Church, Porter Hardware, and Des Moines Register, before fully retiring in mid-2010. Russ enjoyed life, loved the Lord, and used his talents to serve Him at every opportunity. He took pride in yard work, was eager to share his knowledge when asked, and loved spending time with family. He had a great appreciation for vintage cars and fond memories of car racing and space shuttle launches. He also enjoyed traveling.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Norma in 1988, and his parents. Those survivors left to grieve his loss include his wife of 23 years, Marie; daughter, Joan of West Des Moines; sons, Randy of Nevada, Gerry (Jennifer) of Norwalk, and Chris of West Des Moines; step-children, Phyllis Pierce of Ankeny, Jacque (Doug) Dales of Bellevue, NE, and Paul (Kimberly) Pierce of Prairie City; 12 grandchildren and four step-grandchildren; as well as 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Clifford Miller of Reno, NV, David (Janice) Miller of Newton, and Lloyd (Janice) Miller of Johnston; plus nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 22, 2012, at Hope Lutheran Church, 3857 E. 42nd Street in Des Moines. Burial will take place at 9:45 a.m. Monday, at the Colfax Cemetery followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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