Viola E. Miller, formerly Gessel, 99, of Byrnes Mill died January 11, 2021. Viola was an avid gardener, avid reader, and loved the game of golf playing into her 90’s. She was a member of Floribunda Garden Club, Friends of Northwest Library, Ladies of Charity, and Bunco Babes. She was a longtime member of Hope Lutheran Church.
Born November 2, 1921 in Houston, TX, she was the daughter of the late Frieda (Stoll) and Walter Kraus of Byrnes Mill, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband Gardner “Bud” Gessel and granddaughter Tammy Boyer.
Viola is survived by her husband: Casper J. Miller, a son Michael (Jan) Gessel and daughter Patricia (Kathryn Raeber) Gessel; stepsons: Dave (Linda Marc) Miller, Paul (Janet) Miller, and Rob (Chris) Miller; grandchildren: Ryan (Wynter) Gessel, Brad (Charis) Gessel, Janet (Karl Younger) Estes, Erin (Michael) Nesti, Maggie (Anthony Kuhn) Miller, Maura Miller, Miranda (Jesse) Payne, Olivia (Shane) Pendleton, Drew Miller, Carson Miller, Kevin (Megan) Miller and Shannon (Corbin) Pugh; dear great grandchildren, dear nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
A funeral service was held January 16 at Hope Lutheran Church, High Ridge, followed by burial in St. Paul’s Churchyard. Memorials may be made to Feed My People, 3295 Ottomeyer Rd, High Ridge, MO 63049-3144. Arrangements were under the direction of Kutis Funeral Home.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.
A wonderful Christian woman! She loved her Lord and loved life! I can still see the “twinkle” in her eyes!
Casper and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you for strength, support and also giving God thanks for Viola is now in the care of our loving Creator God now and forever. It was always a joy being with you when Viv and I were at Dittmer as the minister of St. Martins United Church of Christ and in the Garden Club. We treasure our relationships and honor knowing you. May God bless and be with you, especially as you celebrate Viola’s life tomorrow and her entrance into eternal life.
Ivan and Vivian Horn, 727 Gall Road, Waterloo, IL 62298