Isabell Joyce Miller, 82, of Elkhart passed away Monday, April 21, 2025, at Hubbard Hill – Living Wisdom Community.
She was born August 19, 1942, in Joure, Netherlands to Johannes and Iebeltje (Bouwman) Van der Werf.
She and her family emigrated from the Netherlands in December 1948 with the assistance of Manson Mennonite Church in Manson, Iowa, where she spent the rest of her childhood. “Isy” was a boarding student her senior year of high school at Iowa Mennonite School, now known as Hillcrest Academy, in Kalona, Iowa. This is where she met her future husband, Don L. Miller, graduating in 1962.
They were married Jan.25, 1964 in Kalona, where they raised four children and were active members of Kalona Mennonite Church.
Isy was a loving homemaker and later worked as a surgical technician at The University of Iowa Hospital for 20 years. She loved her time with family, quilting, jigsaw puzzles, bird watching, and painting with acrylics.
Following retirement, she and Don moved to Elkhart in 2005 to be closer to family and found a home at River Oaks Community Church.
She is survived by sons: Tony (Leah) Miller of Goshen and A.J. (Bonnie) Miller of Foley, Minnesota; grandchildren: Madison Miller, Quinn Miller, Jade Omic, Michelle, Elizabeth, and Noah Miller, who lovingly knew her as “Beppe”.
Also surviving are four sisters: Hennie (Mark) Janzen, Margriet (Robert) Troyer, Chris (Terry) Graber all of Kansas and Julie (John) Gingerich of Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, who raised her, Martha (Dam) Van der Werf; son: Don L. Miller, Jr.; daughter: Michelle R. Omic; granddaughters: Eimina and Leila Omic; and a brother: John Van der Werf.
Services were held at River Oaks Community Church, Goshen, Saturday, May 3. Pastor Aaron Nesbitt officiated.
Burial will take place Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 10:30a.m., at the Sharon Center Cemetery, Kalona.
Memorial gifts may be directed to Hillcrest Academy, 1421 540 St. SW, Kalona, Iowa 42247 or HillcrestRavens.org.
