Joan Bowen Miller

March 11, 1934 – Aug. 15, 2023

Joan Bowen Miller (Mitchell) was born on March 11, 1934 in Parke County Indiana to James H. and Myrtle (Bowen) Miller. She passed Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 15, 2023, at the Wellbrooke facility in Crawfordsville. Mrs. Miller suffered a major brain hemorrhage May 26 and a second hemorrhage on July 18. She recovered well from the first stroke and fought hard to come back from the second stroke but was unable to do so.

Mrs. Miller and her family moved to Boone County in her elementary years. Mrs. Miller graduated from Dover High School, Boone County, and then went to Indiana Business College. She married Richard E. Miller of Walnut Township of Montgomery County on Nov. 21, 1954. Mr. Miller passed of cancer on Feb. 18, 1989. The couple farmed throughout their lifetimes in Walnut Township.

She retired from Walnut Elementary with 49 years of service. Mrs. Miller was hired as an Aide, now called a Student Assistant, for all grades when son Brian started first grade. She survived 12 principals. Mrs. Miller did recess duties and was a cafeteria moderator for the primary grades. She then was a Chapter 1, now called Title 1 Aide. The Title 1 and IEI Programs assist students who didn’t qualify for the LD Program but gives them that extra remedial reading review to catch up with their class. She felt a calling to teach her students how to adjust to their classroom and have a good start during their formative years and succeed in school. M&Ms and Jolly Ranchers were rewards for success and hard work each day for her students.

She participated in their Walnut Elementary and Southmont activities throughout the years. She was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church of Shannondale where she was pianist for worship and has been an Elder and Sunday School teacher.

Survivors include her two sons, Robert (Suzy) and Brian (Robin); two grandsons, Ethan (Susan) and Evan; and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Mitchell and Sue Mitchell.

She was preceded in death by her her parents James H. and Myrtle (Bowen) Mitchell; and siblings Wayne (Mildred) Mitchell, Max (Dorothy) Mitchell, Dorthea (Robert) Jenkins, Betty (Ray) Brinkman, Rex (Dorothy) Mitchell, Madge (Russell) Swisher and Loren (Sue) Mitchell.

Family and friends will gather Saturday Aug. 19,2023, for visitation from 10 a.m. to noon at Hunt and Son Funeral Home in Crawfordsville. The funeral service will immediately follow visitation with Tami Mussche of Crawfordsville officiating. Burial will be at Pisgah Cemetery in Beckville. Donations may be sent to the Bethel Church of Shannondale, 1052 N 1075 E, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.huntandson.com