Joan Ellen Miller

Joan Ellen Barbee was born February 27, 1936, in Colorado Springs, CO to parents Bennie Barbee and Nora Mae (States) Barbee. She passed away on March 17, 2024, in Grand Junction, CO at the age of 88. Joan spent the early years of her life in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver. Her father realized that she needed more “supervision” than he was able to provide so she moved to Rocky Ford to live with her uncle and aunt, Wayne and Edith Hamilton. She attended Rocky Ford High School, graduating with the class of 1954.

After graduating high school, Joan remained in Rocky Ford where she met Gerald “Jerry” Miller. They were married at the Rocky Ford Church of Christ on June 26, 1955. With the exception of a short four-year stint in Holly, they lived in the Arkansas Valley until after Jerry’s death in 1992. Joan and Jerry had three children.

A few years before Jerry’s death, three of their grandsons became their “second” family and lived and grew up in their home. After Jerry’s death, Joan and the boys moved to Grand Junction, CO where she continued to be “home” and support for the boys. In her later years, Casey, Justin, and Matthew (nka Amber), were to become support for her, stopping by frequently, doing chores, and bringing the seven great grands to visit.

Joan is survived by her three children, Gerald Miller, Jr. of Rocky Ford, Kathleen Springer of Montrose, CO, and Benjamin Miller of Scott City, KS. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Jeremy Miller of Montrose, Casey Miller, Justin Miller, and Amber Switzler, all of Grand Junction, and Breckon Miller of Scott City, KS.

A memorial service and reception will be held on April 27, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Arkansas Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church in Swink, CO. Interment will be at the Rocky Ford Cemetery. Martin Mortuary in Grand Junction is assisting the family. Memorial contributions can be made to HopeWest Hospice, 3090 N. 12th Street, Unit B, Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice, 3090 N. 12th Street, Unit B, Grand Junction 81506 www.hopewestco.org, or to the animal charity of your choice.