Darlene Joyce Miller
April 08, 2009
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Service Details
Darlene Joyce Miller, born in Anita, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on April 8, 2009 on the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten while on a cruise with family members and long-time friend and companion Robert Paterson.
Darlene had a passion for teaching and a life long love of learning. She began her teaching career in Elliott, Iowa and retired from the Des Moines Public Schools after teaching many years at Perkins Elementary School.
Darlene and her late husband Bernard Ross Miller opened The Learning Post in 1977, which continued their mutual interest in education and educational materials. Darlene continued to work full-time at The Learning Post after her retirement from teaching and always enjoyed meeting and helping people.
Darlene is preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Ross Miller; her father, Harold Wheatley and her mother Leila Wheatley.
She is survived by her sons, Monti (Carol) and Marti; grandchildren, Marissa, Molli and Brady; brother, Stan (Jeanne) Wheatley of Casper, WY; sister, Sherrill (Dennis) Roof of Chaska, MN; long-time friend and companion, Robert Paterson; aunts, Anita Stephenson of Atlantic, IA and Bernice White of Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis National Society.
PLEASE NOTE: Both locations of The Learning Post will be closed on Saturday, April 18, 2009 in memory of our founder, Darlene.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Norma & Bill Barr
04/17/2009
Dear friends/family of Darlene,
We have known the Wheatley family for so many years and when hearing of Darlene's sudden death, it was like losing another family member.
We grieve with all of you in her passing and know the pain is so deep at this time. But in knowing the Lord has called her home, she is rejoicing with loved ones, free of pain.
You are so fortunate that in her last days, you were celebrating a mini-family reunion bound together in love and eternal friendship. What a blessing! And now, the memories you have shared throughout the years will sustain you in your time of grief and bring many smiles as you remember the wonderful times together.
God's richest blessings to all of you.
Warmly,
Norma & Bill Barr
Kathryn W Cormier
04/16/2009
Sherrill & Dennis, Jeanne & Stanley, Monti & Carol, Monte and Robert:
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you! I am so very sorry for the loss of Darlene in such a bizarre manner! In these types of circumstances, it is so difficult to wonder how or why this would occur. I am certain that nothing can substantially comfort any of you at this time but may the many memories that you have of Darlene and that time will heal the loss of this wonderful person.
Most of all, please remember that many thoughts and prayers are with you all!
It seems when there is illness; one can adjust to the fact that you will eventually lose that person as in the loss of my sister but this is so very difficult to cope with when your loved one is taken in this manner!!
Most sincerely,
Kathryn & Terry Cormier
Mary Nelson
04/15/2009
I was so shocked when Bonnie Jean sent an e-mail to me about Darlene.
She will be missed by family and friends. I did not know her well but so happy to have met her a few years ago.
Because of my late husband Larry, I feel blessed to know all of you.
God Bless, and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mary Nelson