In Loving Memory

Joanne Lennae "Dodie" Miller

Joanne Lennae "Dodie" Miller, age 72, passed away unexpectedly with her loving husband by her side on the evening of February 23, 2023 at their Colville, Washington residence.  Dodie was born in Bellingham, Washington to Edner and Elsie (Sward) Lofdahl.

The youngest of eight children, Dodie was raised on the family farm in Ferndale, Washington, where she would go on to be a 12-year senior graduate from Ferndale High School.  Following graduation, Dodie would go on to attend Multnomah School of Bible, now known as Multnomah University, earning her associates degree in Christian education in 1970.  While attending Multnomah School of Bible, Dodie would meet the love of her life, William "Rick" Miller, a fellow student and member of her group of friends.  The two were quickly taken with each other and were joined in marriage on June 26, 1971.

Rick would go on to be drafted into the military after his graduation, and the couple would spend his deployment in Germany.  The newly married couple enjoyed touring Europe during this time. Following Rick's service, the couple returned to Washington, settling in Bellingham, where they would welcome their first child, Brian, in 1976, followed by their daughter, Erin, in 1985.  In 1983, Rick and Dodie started an industrial sales business in the Tri-Cities area before selling it 1991.

With a desire to return to small town living, Rick and Dodie made the decision to leave theTri-Cities, and the family relocated to Colville, Washington in 1992.  Dodie found her home with the Colville First Baptist Church, with she and her husband becoming active members of the congregation.  Dodie would go on to serve in an official capacity as the church secretary for over 20 years, wearing several hats in service to her church family and the Lord.  After her husband's spinal cord injury in 2015, Dodie took on the responsibility of faithfully and lovingly caring for her husband.

Dodie was a shining example of a God-fearing woman not only to her daughter, Erin, but to women of all ages in her congregation.  Her trustworthiness, integrity, and kindness made her a confidant to many. When she wasn't fulfilling her church duties, Dodie treasured any possible opportunity to make memories and spend time with her children and her four loving grandchildren.

Dodie was preceded in death by her parents, Edner and Elsie Lofdahl, and her siblings, Edward and Jim.  She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 52 years, Rick Miller; her children, Brian (Kristin) Miller of Roseburg, OR, and Erin (Clint) Severns of Fairbanks, AK; four grandchildren, Elleen and Finley Miller, and Marlee and Tatum Severns; five of her siblings, and a host of nieces and nephews, along with her church family at Colville First Baptist.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, March 2, from 5pm-7pm at Danekas Funeral home. A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, WA, beginning at 2:00p.m.In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to a memorial fund that has been set up. https://everloved.com/life-of/joanne-dodie-miller/donate/ Visit the on-line memorial and sign her guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements.