Harrett L. Miller

Harriett Miller, age 90, passed away Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Valley View Village in Des Moines, IA, with her family by her side. Harriett was born April 2, 1931, to Delmer and Arlene John. She was the eldest of eight children. Harriett graduated from Des Moines' East High School in 1948.

In 1949, Harriett married Donald Nevins and had five sons (David, Eric, Doug, Dale and Roger). Following Donald's death in 1965, she married William “Bill” Miller in 1968. Together, they were very active in the children's ministries at Evangelical Covenant Church in Des Moines. Harriett returned to being an active member of Indianola Heights Evangelical Free Church following Bill's death in 2003. She retired from the State of Iowa after working over 16 years for the Bureau of Professional Licensure. Throughout her life, she was a strong, take-charge woman with a fierce faith in God.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children: David (Janet) Nevins, Eric “Rick” Nevins, Sr., Dale (Teresa) Miller, Roger (Teri) Miller; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; five siblings: Evelyn John, Ruth John, Carol Kimbell, Clyde John and Joanna Field; and many more family and friends. Harriett was preceded in death by her parents, son Douglas Miller, and siblings Katherine “Leona” Kelly and Richard John.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3601 E Court Ave., Des Moines, IA. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to: American Lung Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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Howard Sherman

09/20/2021

Harrett had a huge impact on my life emotionally and spiritually. I met her son Rick in the fall of 1960 when I was in first grade and we became friends. It didn't take long before I saw her as my other "mom" and she referred to me as her sixth son. Her faith in God was unwavering, even when going through difficult times. Knowing she isn't dead but very much alive and seeing Christ Jesus and other loved ones face to face while enjoying and living the hope she held while in her earthly home, gives me a peace as I recall the phone conversations we would have in recent years. Her contagious laugh and words of encouragement to me will be missed but fondly remembered. We enjoyed comparing "notes" when it came to things of the Bible and talking about the Lord. I miss hearing her say "I love you" or "I love you too" at the end of a phone conversation because I knew she meant it. I may not be a biological son, but I know she loved me like a son and that is something I'll always remember and treasure. I know what I feel cannot compare to what her family is going through, but those who are a part of the family of God know that they will see and live with her again when they leave their earthly temple behind and put on a finer, incorruptible one when they too go to be with the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:53)

Howard S.

Cindy Housman 3rd flr

09/19/2021

It was a pleasure to be part of your Mom life. She had a good sense of humor. Harrett was a very strong person that I admired and was a joy to be around. She will be missed. I know words can not give her family enough peace. I do know she loved all of you and you were all ways there for her. My love and peace be with you. Cindy H