Deanna Joyce Miller

Deanna Joyce (Johnston) Miller, of Upper Arlington, OH, was born to the late Fleda (Axline) and Lester Johnston on May 24, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Central High School in 1956 as a member of the National Honor Society.

Deanna was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. In her early years, she was actively involved in the United Methodist Youth Group, where summer retreats at Lakeside Church camp were a cherished highlight. Throughout her life, St. Luke’s remained her spiritual home, a place where she rejoiced through choir, celebrated births, mourned losses, served meals, and faithfully supported both her church and surrounding community.

Early in her career, Deanna worked for the Ohio Bell Telephone company and North American Aviation. She carried those professional foundations throughout her life, maintaining a strong and versatile skill set that included accounting, typing, 10-key and shorthand, an increasingly rare skill today.

In 1956, Deanna met Eddie Miller on a blind date, and the two were married the following year. They shared 60 years of marriage before Eddie's passing in 2017. In 1959, Deanna and Eddie founded the Arlington Texaco Service Station, later Arlington Marathon and Arlington Car Care, at the corner of Northwest Boulevard and North Star Road. Working side by side, they formed a remarkable partnership, and after 50 years in business, they passed the torch to their son Michael.

Deanna had a deep appreciation for music and played both the piano and the organ. She was dedicated to supporting local charities and was an active member of the Assistance League of Metro Columbus and the United Methodist Women's Club. In her leisure time, she delighted in a good game of cards, various domino games, and euchre, a lifelong favorite of hers.

Deanna and Eddie also shared a love of travel, visiting many beautiful cities, beaches, and islands together. They especially treasured spending their winter months in Bradenton, Florida, enjoying the sunshine alongside fellow snowbirds.

In 2021, Deanna welcomed a treasured new friend into her life, Rusty, a cuddly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. As her faithful companion, he brought her comfort and joy through some very challenging times.

Throughout her life, even while facing health challenges, Deanna never lost her wonderful sense of humor. She had an extraordinarily generous heart and was always ready to support a friend or neighbor whether by offering a ride to an appointment, delivering a warm meal or sharing a much-needed hug.

Deanna continued to find great joy in spending time with family and friends and baking her beloved cookies, cakes, pies and breads for others. It was not uncommon for a friend or neighbor to receive a "surprise treat”, delivered with a knock at the door or quietly left on a doorstep.

Her life and legacy will be remembered and cherished by her three children: Rebecca (Michael) Siegmund, Michael (Sarah) Miller, Jeff (Lauren) Miller; Four grand-children: Matthew (Nicolette) Miller, Megan Miller (Lucas Fernald), Emma Larsen, and Christina (Michael) Takla; Along with three great-grandchildren; Her siblings: Shirley Taylor, David (Nancy) Johnston; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Pat Scholes, and brothers-in-laws, Arden Scholes and John Taylor.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Deanna's many dear friends, neighbors, and the support team at First Community Village. The family is also deeply thankful for the love and exceptional care Deanna received at Kobacker House. Their compassion and dedication to both patients and family members are truly extraordinary.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, with a memorial service officiated by Pastor Gerald D. Murphy at 1:30 PM, with reception to follow until 4:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Deanna's honor may be made to the OhioHealth Foundation in support of Kobacker House at https://bit.ly/kobackerhouse.