Ilena Miller

Ilena L. Miller, age 92, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her children, on Monday, April 4, 2022.

Ilena was born on September 4, 1929, in Garnett, Kansas, into the Mabel and Delos Lawellin family and ten siblings.

F. Ilena Lawellin married Melvin L. Miller on June 8, 1946, in Garnett, Kansas, to this union, three children were born, Tarry, Mike and Patti.

She was employed by USD 365 for 27 years as a cook at the high school, assisting with the daily baking of bread and rolls. She transported food to Irving elementary school to serve to the elementary students. She attended cooks school and achieved Certification by the American School Food Service Association as well as her High School GED. Through the years after retirement, it was very common for grown adults to speak to her in a store remembering helping her serve at Irving, as the lunch lady. During one summer break she worked at Warner's Manufacturing making quilted coats.

Ilena's greatest joy was her family and her one and only love, Melvin Miller. As the Miller family grew with the first grandson, she proclaimed herself "Granny Miller". From that day forward, not only our family but to many other families, she was referred to as Granny Miller. When you saw the white Ford Taurus with the "Grand 9" tag you knew it was Granny Miller. Ilena also enjoyed baking, cooking, hosting gatherings for a crowd of family, sewing, gardening, flowers, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was supportive of her husband's business, Serene and Miller Ford Tractor, making many parts run's for him. Ilena and her husband Melvin, enjoyed traveling in their retirement. They traveled to Hawaii, Austria, Germany and Ireland. They made many trips to Branson, Missouri enjoying the music shows. They also traveled to many other states in the US. After retirement, she took up woodworking with her husband. Many family heirloom's were constructed by Melvin and Ilena.

Ilena is survived by her children:
Son, Tarry Miller and wife Linda of Garnett; grandsons, Eric Miller and wife Niki, great grandson, Gage Miller, of Overland Park, Kansas; step great grandson, Robbie Small and step great granddaughter, Anna Small; grandson, Jason Miller and wife Erin of Garnett; great granddaughters, Josie Miller and Jordan Miller; grandson, Chris Miller and wife Brandi of Wamego, Kansas, great grandson, Braden Miller, great granddaughter, Sophie Miller.

Son, Mike Miller, and wife Jackie (deceased) of Lenexa; grandson, Todd Miller and wife Robin, step great grandsons, Jackson Campbell and Lucas Campbell of Lee's Summit, Missouri, granddaughter, Kari Schwartz and husband Randy of Shawnee Kansas, great granddaughter Rebecca and great grandson Landon; grandson, Brian Miller of Olathe; granddaughter, Heather Griggs and husband Derek of Peculiar, Missouri; great grandsons, Lincoln Griggs and Beckett Griggs.

Daughter, Patti Cady and husband Greg of Olathe, Kansas; grandsons, Dustin Young of Carlotta, California, grandson, Kannon Young and wife Megan of Caney, Kansas; great granddaughter, Oakley Young and Corey Young (deceased), great grandsons, Dravin Young and Jacob Young. Kathy Bockrath and spouse Allan Bockrath of Lansing - known as Daughter #2; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at the First Christian Church, Garnett, with burial following in the Garnett Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Friday evening from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel.

Memorial Contributions may be made to W.I.N.G.S. or Good Shepherd Hospice.

You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .