In loving memory of Neva Jo Miller, who left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. She was born in Havre, Montana on June 24, 1951. She flew to Heaven on Friday, April 19, 2024, after an extended illness. She embodied the essence of joy, radiating warmth and laughter wherever she went. With boundless energy and a zest for life, she danced through every moment, especially relishing the rhythm of life alongside her beloved husband at the jams they attended. Dancing was one of Neva’s delights and she and her husband, Leo were many times, the only couple on the dance floor.
Known affectionately as the “White Tornado,” she swept through life with a passion for cleanliness and orderliness, unable to tolerate even a hint of disorder; many members of her family were recipients of her fervor. Yet amidst her meticulous ways, she remained a steadfast pillar of love and compassion, always putting others before herself; always the first to offer help.
Neva was a beautiful baby and even received an award from Good Housekeeping. She was voted to have the “Cutest Name of the Year”. This was a big surprise to all of her family when they found out. Her spirit was as free as the wind, and her resilience likened to that of an unbreakable twig. Through every challenge, she stood tall, a testament to her unwavering strength and determination. Neva came from a long line of pioneers and reflected their perseverance in anything she undertook.
Family meant everything to her, especially her cherished mother, Avis, whom she loved with all her heart. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, as well as countless cherished memories with her husband. She leaves behind her grieving husband of 54 years, Leo, her two wonderful children; Brenda of Missoula, Montana and Keith and his wife, Rachel of Gering Nebraska; three grandchildren; Bryce of Missoula, James, Alison, and one great-grandchild, Charley, all of Nebraska. Neva loved her kids and grandkids and never missed an opportunity to see them. She was especially proud of all of Alison’s athletic achievements.
In addition to her love of family, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether casting a line while fishing or rolling strikes in the bowling alley as a member of her bowling league. She loved rainbows, snow on the mountains, Patsy Cline, beer, lobster, collecting frogs, (over 5000) a good game of cards, daisies, and baby quail. Sometimes she also delighted herself when she was the big winner at cards.
Though she may have departed this world, her spirit will forever dance among us, a shining beacon of love, laughter, and unwavering strength. She was, and always will be, one of a kind. Heaven is all the better for taking her home! She joins her two Dads, stepmom Shirley, her sister Lisa, and two brothers, Wayne and Buffy, and they will already have received her with open arms. She hurts no more!
REVELATION 21:4 “AND HE WILL WIPE OUT EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES, AND DEATH WILL BE NO MORE, NEITHER WILL MOURNING NOR OUTCRY NOR PAIN BE ANYMORE. THE FORMER THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY”.
I hope this beautiful promise of God to resurrect the dead here on earth fill your hearts with comfort and peace, soon we’ll hug them again.