Clara Miller

Clara Helen Elizabeth Miller, at age 92, left this world on April 6, 2008 from the IOOF Home in Mason City due to complications of dementia.   With her children by her side, Clara finally moved into her mansion just over the hilltop.  Clara, one of 6 children, was born June 23, 1915 and raised in Mason City by her parents, Gustave and Louise Elizabeth Ruhnke.  She was the proud mother of 16 children and grandmother to 38, great grandmother to 63 and great-great grandmother to 2 children.  Besides raising a proud and productive family, Clara was a dedicated lifetime member of her church, The Salvation Army, where she taught Sunday School for 43 years, attended the womens group (The Home League), worked at The Salvation Army Thrift Store and was recognized by many in her Salvation Army uniform as she sold The War Cry to raise money for the poor and needy.  Between her many commitments, Clara volunteered countless hours with The League of Mercy, visiting the lonely, the sick, the old and dying in area nursing homes.  Clara also worked along side her mother for many years doing housekeeping for many fine homes in Mason City and Clear Lake until she assumed the business on her own.   When she wasnt working, Clara could often be found volunteering her time at the Community Kitchen of North Iowa preparing and serving meals for the hungry. 
 
Claras family and friends celebrated her 90th birthday on June 18, 2005 when she was crowned by her family as Queen for A Day.  Senator Amanda Ragan presented a joint declaration of honor by the State of Iowa Senate and the House of Representatives to Clara.  Mason City Mayor Jean Marinos issued her proclamation of honor as well.
 
Clara is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Harrison Miller on 2/26/84, her adult sons, Lorain (Bud) Miller on 3/28/92 and Gene Miller on 11/6/92, three infant children who died at birth, a son on 5/30/44, Clara Diane on 6/16/56 and Denise Ann on 9/13/61, and 2 great grandchildren. Left on this earth to live as Clara taught them are her children, from oldest to youngest, Harrison, Jr (John and Elaine) Miller of Mason City, Gerald (Jerry and Francine) Miller of Waterloo, Francis (Gwen) Miller of Mason City, Jackie (Della) Miller of Des Moines, Dane (Janet) Miller of Parkersburg, Dwight (Carol) Miller of Mason City, Bobby (Bob and Doris) Miller of Brandon, SD, Louise Simonton of Parker, CO, Rodney (Rod and Bill) Miller of Minneapolis, MN, Elizabeth (Liz) Miller of Ankeny and June (Bob) Black of Mason City.  Claras children blessed her with 99 grandchildren and great grandchildren who survive her.  Her sister, Martha Meyer, age 95, and her sister-in-law, Phyllis Ruhnke, both of Mason City, also survive Clara.  They shared many years of happiness together. 
 
Claras Promotion to Glory will be celebrated at The Salvation Army at 747 Village Green Drive, SW, Mason City, on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at 11:00 a.m.  Her sons, Salvation Army Corps Sergeant Major Dwight Miller and Pastor Jerry Miller, will officiate.  A graveside farewell following the service at Memorial Park Cemetery will lay Clara to rest next to her son and husband.  Friends and family are welcomed to celebrate Claras life at a luncheon at The Salvation Army immediately following the graveside service.   Friends and family may say their good-byes to Clara at the Major Erickson Funeral Home between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 4/8/08, and beginning at 10:00 a.m. before the service at The Salvation Army.  Memorials may be made to the Miller family who will select one of Claras worthy causes to honor her.
 
All of Claras children will be forever grateful for their wonderful mother.  Those who knew Clara will always remember her devotion to God, her hard work and sacrifice for her family and others, and her love of the old hymn, Ive got a mansion, just over the hilltop . . .  Thats where youll find her.

Cemetery:
Memorial Park Cemetery

Visitation:
From 7:00 to 9:00 PM Tuesday at Major Erickson Funeral Home

Service:
11:00 AM Wednesday at the Salvation Army, 747 Village Green, Mason City