Donis D. Miller

Donis was born on April 27, 1927 in Colfax Louisiana. As the youngest of nine children, she was still affectionately known by her family, even at 95, as “Baby.” She gladly answered to several other titles – Mom, Grandma, Granny, Big Granny – friend.

She graduated valedictorian of Bolton High School at age 16, and proudly supported the War effort by selling war bonds and marrying a handsome young Army Air Corps officer from Iowa. She met Ronald Miller at a USO dance in Alexandria Louisiana after his return from the Pacific Theatre. Ronald and Donis were married September 2, 1944. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Ronald’s hometown, Griswold Iowa, where they lived and farmed until Ronald passed away. She was a hard worker and epitomized the meaning of “true grit.” Farm life was not always easy. Her daughters reminisce about all she taught them, maybe most importantly, she taught them tenacity as well as how to laugh, even in adversity. Donis and Ronald never missed a football game, basketball game, track meet, choral concert, 4-H or FFA event at Griswold High School or Cass County, frequently attending three different games in one day as their three children played on different Griswold teams. When Donis wasn’t attending sporting events and helping Ronald farm, she was busy teaching sewing and tailoring for the Cass County Extension Service, serving as 4-H leader and serving up Sloppy Joes for the entire team at the Miller home before many of the Friday night games. She loved evenings spent with family, singing while doing dishes or around the piano. Donis and Ronald were proud to see their three children each graduate from Iowa State University. She later used her considerable sewing talents to sew for her grandchildren.

After Ronald passed away, Donis replanted her Louisiana roots and moved to Lafayette Louisiana to be centrally located near her Louisiana family. She loved her job as Office Administrator for Old South Realty and while living in Lafayette refined the term Laissez les bons temps rouler. While she was remembered in Iowa for her cinnamon rolls, she added Cajun cuisine to her well-developed cooking and baking skills.

Donis followed Mary Lynn to Texas when she retired. She was one of those Texans who “got here as soon as she could,” and moved to her home on Hiwon Drive in 1992. Donis loved her Texas life and was passionate about her Astros. She will always be remembered by her family and friends for her sense of humor and quick wit. Donis never forgot a good story and could recall a joke or ad lib a funny tale or humorous comment at the precisely appropriate moment. She served on the Panorama Country Club Board of Directors, golfed enthusiastically, and was a member of the PVCC Ladies Association and PEO. She enjoyed being a greeter at the First Methodist church for several years.

Donis is survived by her daughters, Mary Lynn Miller Langley and Jo Miller Bamonte, also of Panorama Village, and daughter-in-law Cynthia McCoy Miller of Griswold, Iowa; Grandchildren, Chris Miller of Phoenix, AZ and Cheri Miller Hidlebaugh (Matt) of Adel, IA, Paula Langley Lundy and Mike Langley; Great Grandchildren – Braeden Miller, Miciah Hidlebaugh, Cody Miller, Haylee Hidlebaugh, and Jocelyn Miller, and loving nieces and nephews. Donis would lament that she had outlived most friends her age, but was very grateful for and thoroughly enjoyed the “younger” friends she made at Panorama.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Miller in 1974, son Charles R. (Chuck) Miller of Griswold, Iowa last March, son-in-law John D. Bamonte in 2014, and most recently, by son-in-law P. John Langley this January.

As she lived her life, Donis would request no grieving for what is our loss. Rather, her family suggests you make a donation to a charity of your choice, if you wish, and one of her favorites was St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donis’ family and friends are invited to stop by and join Mary Lynn and Jo on April 1, 2023 at 32 Winged Foot Drive, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, to raise a glass, give a toast, recall a good Donis story, and celebrate a life well lived.