Funeral services for Stella J. Miller, 91, of Estherville, were held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, at the Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville with Jeff Cookinham officiating. Interment was at Lake View Cemetery, Spirit Lake.
Stella Jean Miller was born on March 25, 1933, in Montgomery, Iowa to Harry and Geneva (Klesath) Locey. She passed away surrounded by her loved ones on February 20, 2025, at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Estherville.
Stella graduated from Spirit Lake High School, and was united in marriage to Earl “Butch” Miller on January 25, 1952. The couple made their home in Estherville. Stella was a telephone operator and cleaned many area homes and businesses.
Stella was a member of the United Methodist Church.
She was also very active with her children’s activities as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader. Trips with the Iowa Lakes Criminal Justice students and annual trips to Texas brought her great joy. She had great sewing skills, creating prom and wedding dresses as well as doll clothes. Her family will have fond memories of all of the great meals that she cooked for them. Saturday night card games, especially “Oh Hell” and “Tick” with her family and friends always ended in laughs.
Stella is survived by her children Stevan (Julie) Miller and Sara (Jason) Bendixen all of Estherville; her grandchildren Jillian (Casey) Webb, Kathi (Brady) Latimer, Kevin Miller, Justin Montandon, Zach Montandon, and Carissa Origer; and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Jackie Pugh of Spirit Lake and many nieces and nephews.
Stella is preceded in death by her parents Harry and Geneva; her husband Butch; her son Michael; her sisters Elsie (Larry) Whipkey and Alice (Jack) Miller; and her brother in law Stanley Pugh.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com. Henry Olson Funeral Home of Estherville assisted the family with arrangements.
