Joan Preston Miller

Joan Preston Miller, our sweet Gammy, went home to Heaven on March 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born February 20, 1931 in Titusville, PA. She moved to Enid, OK, when she was seven and was raised by her mother, Emma Jo Preston, after her father died in a car accident.

Joan graduated from Enid High School in 1949, and attended Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater, receiving her business degree and being crowned Engineering Queen in 1951.

She went to work as a secretary at Vance Air Force Base in Enid where she met the love of her life, Jerry Miller, while he was attending flight training school.

They married in early 1952, and their first daughter, Mona, was born right before Jerry left for the Korean War in November.

Joan was a faithful daily letter writer to her husband while he was away. Upon his return their family expanded with the birth of their son, Matt, in 1954, and they moved to Biggs, CA.

In 1956, their second daughter, Tina, was born and their third daughter, Jennifer, in 1960. Joan was a devoted mother and homemaker.

She loved her family well. She taught Sunday School at her small Biggs church, as well as being involved in the day to day duties of her family's ranch, such as branding cows and delivering eggs.

In 1960, they moved to Yuba City, CA, where she continued to love and model her faith in Jesus to her children.

In the early 1970's, Joan began working outside the home as an administrative assistant, first for Simlick Pest Control and later for Clark Pest Control until 1999.

Joan touched many lives with her kindness, compassion and love, evidenced by long, enduring friendships.

She enjoyed trailer camping with her family at Child's Meadow's Resort for many summers and tent camping and games of Yahtzee with close friends.

Joan became "Gammy" to 12 grandchildren, their spouses, and 17 great grandchildren. She loved being a part of their lives and cheered them on at countless sporting and school events.

She was a generous gift giver and it brought joy to her heart to find just the "right thing."

Gammy had unconditional love for everyone and that love came from her relationship with Jesus. Her legacy of faith, grace, strength and kindness will always be with us.

Our lives have been blessed greatly by our beautiful Gammy! She lives on in each of those she loved so dearly.

A Celebration of Life in her honor will be held with her family and friends.