Joan E. Miller

Joan Elizabeth (Anderson) Miller, 77, of Moline, IL, went home to be with her Lord and Savior February 3, 2023, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, IA. Visitation will be held at Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory, Moline, IL on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 10 am till 11 am. The funeral will be at 11 am. Private (family) burial will follow at the Rock Island National Cemetery.

Joan was born in Melrose Park, IL September 10, 1945, to John Oscar and Verna Mabelle “Billie” Warman) Anderson. She graduated from Proviso East High School, Maywood, IL in 1963 and Augustana College, Rock Island, IL in 1967. She taught numerous elementary grades in Moline and East Moline for 5 years. She met Wayne Raymond Miller on a blind date, and they married December 27, 1969, in Melrose Park, IL.

They raised two wonderful sons, Stephen and Scott, in Geneseo, IL. As their sons grew, Joan went back to school at Scott Community College to earn another degree in Interior Design. She then worked many years at Klavohn’s Furniture in Geneseo.

Upon Wayne’s retirement, they enjoyed 27 wonderful winters exploring much of the Southwest from their Tucson, AZ home. Joan and Wayne loved their mountains, the desert, its flora, fauna and the history of the Southwest. Joan was an extremely talented artist, drawing, painting, beading, jewelry making and floral arranging. She enjoyed attending the world-famous gem show in Tucson every year.

Joan was active in Tri-City Dahlia Society, Geneseo Junior Women’s Club, Geneseo Art League, Geneseo Colony Club, church choir, Meals on Wheels, Geneseo Victorian Walk, and as a member of Geneseo First United Methodist Church.

After 39 years, Joan and Wayne sold the home that they built and moved to Moline. There she belonged to PEO and Bethel Wesley UMC.

Joan had a life-long interest in Irish history, literature, culture and especially music. She made annual trips to Milwaukee and Chicago for Irish music concerts. In 2014 she achieved a life-long dream of touring Ireland with her two beloved sons.

Above all else, she cherished time with her family. She was so proud of her sons, their accomplishments and their families. They blessed her with five wonderful grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years Wayne, sons Stephen (Sarah) and Scott (Kristin), grandchildren Nathan, Lucas, Joshua, Cecelea and Evelyn. As well as, brother James Anderson (Pam), sister-in-law Barbara Sandberg, plus many cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother.

A special thank you to the staff of Clarissa Cook Hospice for their loving care and respect shown to Joan. Donations in Joan’s name may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be shared at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.