IN LOVING MEMORY
JoAnn Miller
1936 - 2022
JoAnn Miller passed away on February 15, 2022, just a couple weeks before her 86th birthday, from several contributing factors associated with her advanced age. JoAnn’s ashes are buried next to those of Ralph Banks, in the Field of Honor, at the St. Charles Memorial Garden in Missouri.
JoAnn is survived by three children and five grandchildren, all with the last name of Banks. From oldest to youngest, there are children Greg, Mark and Sandy; and grandchildren Casey, Brandon, Sarah, Kylee and Owen. JoAnn is also survived by her younger sister Dawn Formosa.
JoAnn was born March 1, 1936 to Owen and Wilma Gridley, in Berrien County, Michigan. Owen and Wilma were highly regarded as the long-term married duo of groundskeeper and innkeeper at the renowned Chikaming Country Club.
After high school, JoAnn attended training as an employee of Eastern Airlines. This is where she met and married Ralph, a fast-rising Eastern employee himself. They married in 1954, and moved with Ralph’s career from Michigan to Illinois to Florida to Missouri. Ralph died at 49, due to complications from leukemia. JoAnn then re-located to Florida, with her youngest two children. JoAnn finished raising her family, then lived the rest of her life in happiness.
While living in Florida, JoAnn enjoyed for several years the companionship of her second husband, Russ Miller, who predeceased her.
JoAnn led a very full life. Here are just a few examples:
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She was a devoted mother; she provided guidance and support to her three children throughout their entire lives.
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JoAnn and Ralph enjoyed camping, especially with their good friends from Schaumburg, Illinois - Jeff and Judy Pemberton.
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In St. Charles, Missouri, JoAnn became an avid bowler, and co-led her team to win several tournaments.
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In North Ft. Myers, she was a committed member of the Bethany Lutheran Church.
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JoAnn became well-known for her skills and camaraderie in the field of Country Line Dancing. She also became a local celebrity of sorts, as the long-tenured breakfast drive-through voice of the Merchants Crossing McDonalds. And lastly, JoAnn developed a proficiency in firing and painting ceramics; her creations decorate the houses of many friends and family members.
Join Us Virtually
Please join us in celebrating the life of JoAnn Miller.
JoAnn's children have created a Memorial Video in her honor.
To view JoAnn's full and positive life memorialization, please click on the button below
If you need assistance, please feel free to email support@lightenarrangements.com.
Guest Book
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Donations
Donations in JoAnn's honor can be made to:
264 Evergreen Rd, North Fort Myers, FL 33903