Royden Ernest Miller Obituary (1936 - 2019)

Royden E. Miller passed away, after a very long battle of numerous health issues, at his home surrounded by family and Benny his beloved dog in Indianola on Thursday, June 20, 2019. Funeral services for Royden will take place at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 at Peterson Funeral Home in Indianola. A visitation will begin at 9:00 am prior to services at the funeral home. Interment will follow funeral services in the I.O.O.F Cemetery in Indianola. Royden was born on April 7, 1936 in Oskaloosa, Iowa as one of five children to Max N. Miller and Helen Louise Williams. As a teenager he was an avid roller skating competitor traveling to neighboring states with his father and best friend Jeep Ginder. He worked at the chicken hatchery outside of Indianola as a teenager and delivered newspapers in town. During his senior high school years he served in the Iowa National Guard in Knoxville, Iowa with his partner in crime Jeep Ginder. He loved participating in football, baseball and softball. He lettered in high school baseball. After high school, he moved to Forest City, IA and worked at NAPA. While living in Forest City he attended the Buddy Holly Concert the night Buddy Holly died and as he was leaving the concert he witnessed the plane in flames. He was proud to work alongside his father and brother at the Miller and Sons Suffolk Sheep Farm, where they showed their prized sheep at the Warren County Fair. His next job was an over the road coast to coast truck driver for several years. Roy retired from Cement Tech in 2001 after 15 years of service. He loved bowling and was able to achieve a 300 game. He was Vice President of the Greater Des Moines Bowling Association and President of the Des Moines Youth Bowling (YABA). He had a pro shop at Indian Lanes Bowling Alley drilling and fitting bowling balls for the bowlers. After Indian Lanes closed, Brad and Pam Palmer went to Knoxville and bought Fairlane Bowl. Royden was able to work part time for them. He opened a pro shop there plus had a pro shop in his personal garage in Indianola. Roy retired from Fairlane Bowl in 2011. While in Forest City, Iowa Roy met Jean Baker and the two of them welcomed the birth their daughter Tammy Jean Miller. Ten years ago he was blessed with the knowledge of another daughter Lisa Graham McNeal. Roy met Mary Louise Dougherty while he was the best man at his brother's wedding in 1964 and Mary was the maid of honor. They were united in marriage December 5, 1964. To this union a son Jody Steven Miller was born and daughter Lisa Marie Miller. Royden is survived by his wife Mary Dougherty Miller of Indianola; children, Tammy (Bill) Jean Miller Beaber, Lisa (Van)Rene Graham McNeal, Jody (Cathy Smith) Steven Miller, Lisa (Scott) Marie Miller Higens; siblings, Barbara (Austin) Louise Miller Freeman, Max (Janet Vasey) Nelson Miller Jr., and Peggy Sue Miller; grandchildren, Billie Beaber, Ashley Beaber, Kollin Miller, Konner Miller, Dylan Higens, Tyler Higens, Kash Miller; great grandchildren, Gage Stephens, Lucas O'Brien, Lacey Beaber, Lauren Beaber, Wyatt Stephens and Isabella Stephens. And many nieces, nephews, and the many bowling partners and acquaintances that he called friends. Royden was preceded in death by his sister Dixie Lee Miller; parents, Max Nelson Miller Sr and Helen Louise Miller, niece Amber Birmingham, nephew Dan Walsh, brother in law Jerry Jones, his best friend in life Jeep Ginder. The family would like to thank Wesley Life Home Hospice and Wesley Life Home Health for allowing his wishes to be fulfilled with him passing in the comfort of his own home. Online condolences can be made to www.petersonfuneralservice.com