Iris Y. Miller

Just as generous as she was kindhearted, Iris Miller was a loving role model for her children to live by. She set an example of responsibility, along with unending devotion and dedication towards the family she adored. A vivacious woman, she possessed creative talent, and her love for many feline companions throughout the years brought her much joy. More than anything, Iris loved spending time with those she loved, and making others happy. Although deeply missed, Iris leaves treasured memories for all to embrace. As the 1940s dawned, America was struggling to come out from the shadows of the Great Depression. In particular, the year 1941 is defined by the nations entry into WWII, and the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor. With many of our nation's men heading off to war, women entered the workforce in droves while music of the day lifted the spirits of all. Despite these tumultious times, there was only one thing on the hearts of Thomas and Edna (Oates) Wood on April 18, 1941 and that was the birth of their little girl, Iris Yvonne. Born in the city of Knoxville along the shores of the Tennessee River, Iris was named after the state flower in beautiful bloom at the time of her birth. She was also welcomed by two older brothers, Don and Jerry. Iris attended many schools during her early years. Her father worked in construction which forced them to move often to follow the work. After moving to Midland, Michigan, Iris' mother no longer wanted move so often with three young children in tow, so they settled in Midland for a time. In the early years there, her father landed a job in the Muskegon area, commuting daily to work. As a young girl of four or five years old, Iris sang and entertained all on their trips to Milwaukee or Chicago aboard the Milwaukee Clipper. Quite young, she never realized where the boat was docked until much later in life. Her father eventually landed a job as a heavy machinery mechanic at Dow Chemical, and along with being a homemaker, her mother worked as a waitress. The stability of remaining in one place for a time was good for Iris and her family. They made lasting memories while in Midland, and as a family enjoyed camping in Lake City, Michigan where memorable times were shared. When her father was offered a promotion to head up the Equipment Maintenance Department at the Dow Chemical Plant in St. Louis, Missouri, her family moved to nearby Collinsville, Illinois. Iris completed her grade school and junior high education there, and during high school she participated in band, choir, and the Glee Club. A fun-loving and outgoing girl, Iris made friends easily with her likable ways. She graduated from Collinsville High School in 1958. Iris went on to further her education after being awarded a four year teaching scholarship at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. However, after getting married, Iris placed her academic pursuits on hold to raise her family. Iris embraced becoming a parent with her whole heart and with much enthusiasm. Attentive and devoted, she gave her all to her three adoring children, Marc, David, and Suzanne. Following the end of her marriage, Iris dedicated her time and energy into taking care of her children. Quite an accomplishment, especially for the times, some of Iris' jobs included modeling, and serving as the circulation manager for a medical industry magazine. She also worked as a kitchen designer and floral designer, and as a baker and caf manager. After three years of raising her children on her own, life was about to turn around for Iris. Iris met Richard "Dick" Miller while on a blind date on St. Patricks day in 1971. After ditching her unacceptable date, Iris' was left only to discover her friend, who had arranged the date, left without her. But then there was Dick, sitting at the bar across from the booth she sat down at. After looking down at the table, he looked up only to find Iris' smiling face. They struck up a conversation, began dating, and were joined in marriage on May 26, 1973. Dick took on Iris' children as his own and soon they added to their family with the birth of Richard, Iris's youngest child. Throughout the years, Iris enjoyed vacationing with her family in Northern Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, especially over the last 20 years. They also always gathered for family get-togethers at Bear Lake in Kalkaska, Michigan. She loved playing Balderdash and Sequence with anyone who was willing to play. And if anyone never played Balderdash, Iris and her family were always willing to introduce them to their favorite family game. Full of life, anytime spent in the company of Iris always proved to be an excting and enjoyable time. Whenever she could, Iris was always up for her love of kayaking, playing tennis, hiking, baking, and using her wonderful writing skills with poetry. She was also a charter member of the Discount Shopper's Hall of Fame. In fact, she had been offered teaching positions at several prestigious universities to share her cutting edge techniques of discount shopping. Always the savvy shopper, there was no question that Iris knew her way around a good deal! For over 15 years, Iris was the first actual person to work with numerous engineering student teams at Northwestern University. Together they interacted in their efforts of designing and developing prosthetic devices for those missing a hand. When she and Dick moved their family to Morton Grove, Illinois, Iris taught aerobics at St. Marthas Parish. Always full of energy and with her vivacious nature, it was a pleasure to share Iris' company. It wasn't until years later when Iris and her husband bought a home in Muskegon, Michigan that Iris discovered the Milwaukee Clipper, the boat from her youth, was actually docked there. Cats were a significant part of Iriss life for over 40 years. She was particularly blessed to have had two great cats named Scooter. She truly adored her last and very special cat Tommy, who showed up on her driveway as a kitten eight years ago, But when it came to her children and grandchildren, Iris was in her element. She loved spending time with them at every opportunity, and nothing brought her more joy than making them happy. Iris lit up whenever they came for a visit. Iris especially loved taking her granddaughters shopping and reviewing their purchases later. She often spoiled them, but she also taught them her cutting edge shopping techniques while managing to make their eyes sparkle. One of a kind, Iris Miller was a generous, thoughtful and creative woman who lived by example with integrity and honesty. She brightened the days of many, and as a loving wife, mother and grandmother whose family meant everything to her, she will be deeply missed. Mrs. Iris Y. Miller, age 73, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2014. SURVIVORS: Iris is survived by her husband of 41 years, Richard; children, Marc (Charlie Knepfel) Martin of WI, David (Liz) Martin of Walled Lake MI, Suzanne (David) Martin-Reay of CA, Richard (Jennifer Glickstein) Miller of IL; grandchildren, Kelly, Heather and Danielle Martin; brother-in law, Jeff Miller; sisters-in-law, Doloris Wood and Judy Miller; many nieces and nephews, including Mike Wood and family, Pam Young, Stacy Steele, Jodi Elrod, Jamie Miller, Rory Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Angela, and brothers, Don and Jerry. SERVICE: Tuesday, August 5, 2014, 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Fr. Matthew Barnum officiating. Interment at Egelston Township Cemetery. VISITATION: Monday, 2-8 PM with a time of sharing at 6:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Hospice, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Phoenix Society. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Iris and to sign her online guest book. Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon