Miller, Helen M.

Helen M. Miller, 89, of Iowa City, died at her home Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at First United Methodist Church in Iowa City, with the Rev. Dr. Barrie Tritle officiating. (Sunday Parking Ordinance will be in effect for the streets around the church.) Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.

Helen Mae Gardner was born Dec. 31, 1921, in rural Johnson County, Iowa, the daughter of Russell and Helen (Siegling) Gardner. She graduated from Central High School in Iowa City and the Irish Business College here. On June 17, 1947, she was united in marriage to Vern D. Miller. For many years she worked for the Iowa City Community School District, retiring Jan. 2, 1984.

She and her husband, Vern, enjoyed many winters in Mission, Texas. As a lifetime resident of the Iowa City area, she was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years, active in UMW, and church circles; she was also a member of the Moose Lodge.

Her family includes three children, Linda Miller of Baltimore, Md., Karen Fesler of North Liberty and Vern Miller and his wife, Judy, of Coralville; four grandchildren, Kimberly Fesler, Chad (Suzanne) Fesler, Jacob Miller and Leah Miller; a brother, Dwight Gardner, and a sister, Allegra (John) Dane, all of Iowa City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vern; sister, Phyllis McMillian; and brother, Charles Gardner.

Memorial donations can be made in Helen's memory to First United Methodist Church of Iowa City.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web at