Barbara Nell Miller

Barbara Nell Miller, 89, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, at her home in Dysart, Iowa. A Celebration of the Life of Barbara Miller will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Dysart. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM preceding the service. 

Barbara was born August 27, 1935, in Jackson County, North Carolina to LL and Ethel (Crispe) Shaver. Growing up in Canton, North Carolina, she graduated high school and then attended college at Western Carolina College in Cullowhee, NC, where she graduated with a degree in vocal music. While attending a summer music camp at Western Carolina, she met the love of her life, John Miller. They wed on July 6, 1957, in Canton, NC, then moved to Iowa City, Iowa where Barbara worked at the Iowa City hospital while John finished his Masters degree at the University of Iowa. 

John and Barbara started their family and moved to Wyoming, IA, where they taught for 10 years. Barbara taught vocal music and English while John taught band. In 1969 they moved to Dysart, IA, where they taught at the high school until they retired. Barbara was known for her beautiful soprano voice, her keyboard skills, her musicianship, and her ability to bring out the best in her choirs. She was treasured as the choir director at Zion Lutheran Church for many years. Barbara and John were avid bridge players and enjoyed playing for many years with their bridge clubs. Those who knew Barbara knew she was very fond of her dogs and lavished them with love and attention, which they happily returned. They enjoyed 50 summers at their cabin near Ely, Minnesota, and had wonderful times on the lake, waterskiing, fishing, walking, and enjoying family and friends who visited. 

Survivors include Barbara’s husband, John of Dysart, Iowa; son Jim (Pam)  of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and their sons Jonathon of Overland Park, KS, and Ryan of Council Bluffs, IA; son Bob (Kim) of Cedar Rapids, IA and their sons Gabe (Sarah) of Springville, IA, and Nick of Tacoma, WA; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Caroll Shaver and his wife Helen Shaver.