Viva Miller

Viva Miller, 95, of Glenwood, IA, formerly of Silver City, IA, passed away on August 31, 2018 at the Longview Home in Missouri Valley, IA. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Glenwood. Burial will be in the Silver City Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at the funeral home.

Memorials: Directed to the Gordon May Legion Post 439 Building Fund in Silver City

Viva Pauline Alice (Benedict) Miller entered her eternal home on Aug. 31, 2018 at Longview Home in Missouri Valley, IA, at the age of 95 years, 7 months, 11 days. She was born January 20, 1923 in Lincoln, NE where her father was taking a poultry class at University of Nebraska Lincoln. Viva was the daughter of Norman and Sylvia Benedict who were lifelong residents of the Glenwood area where they lived on small farms raising crops and livestock and much garden produce which was stored for the winter. Their family attended West Oak Baptist Church which provided spiritual and social activities. She graduated from Glenwood High School in 1940 where she loved participating in many vocal music events.

During the WWII years Viva first worked at Scientific Radio in Council Bluffs, making radio crystals that were used in military equipment. Later she worked at the Martin Bomber Plant, now called Offutt Air Base, X-raying parts for B29 Superfortresses. She was one of 10 finalists in a beauty contest there.

Viva corresponded with George Miller while he was overseas with the army's 4th infantry division. They were married 9 days after his discharge on Oct 20, 1945 at Hiawatha, KS. They bought George's father's farm north of Silver City and continued farming as the Millers have done for several generations. Three sons, Richard, Dennis, and Rodney, were born to George and Viva from July 1946 to July 1948. Viva enjoyed gardening and looking after the needs of her family of which there were many. They continued to live on the home place, building a new ranch style house in 1956 and expanding the farm operation. After George passed away in 1997, Viva remained on the farm until 2009 when she moved to Glenwood.

Throughout her married life Viva was actively involved in the church and community. She taught Sunday School for years and sang in special services and programs. She was an active member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary holding various offices during her 70 plus years of membership. Viva carried on the spiritual heritage of her parents which has continued through her grandchildren and even great grandchildren who are committing their lives to serving others and the Lord. Whether it was family, friend, neighbor, or stranger, she was always there to lend a helping hand. She boldly shared the Gospel message and her love for Jesus without hesitation.

Preceding Viva in death were husband George, son Rodney, sister Gladys, and sister-in-law Lois.

Viva is survived by sons, Richard and wife Ruth, Dennis and wife Laura; 6 grandchildren Matthew and wife Megan, Mark and wife Melissa, Maryanna and husband Kurt, Andrew and wife Jelyn, Jonathan and wife Kara, and David and wife Lydia; 14 great grandchildren Emma, Anne, Lily, Lydia, Isaiah, Julia, Ryan, Braedan, Nathan, Jacob, Elijah, Andelyn, Raya, and Micah; brother, Duane Benedict of Glenwood, IA; nieces and nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.