Born in Doniphan, Missouri, on December 29, 1937, Harriett was the daughter of Howard Reynolds and Harriett (Brown) Reynolds of Koshkonong, Missouri. In high school, she met the love of her life, James Miller. They married on May 30, 1956 and had two children, Rhonda and Clinton.
Harriett and James spent much of their life together as long-haul truck drivers, traveling coast to coast and everywhere in between. Harriett proudly shared that she drove quite a bit herself, embracing the adventures they shared together. In retirement, they spent the winters in Arizona and Texas, where they made many friends and Harriett could enjoy the warm weather that she loved so much.
She is survived by her daughter Rhonda (Dale) Starke and her son Clinton (Beth) Miller. Harriett was a proud grandmother to Rachel (Neil) Sullivan, Sayward (Carl) Fry, Mollie (Kevin) Fry, Michelle Miller (Justin Iverson), Megan Miller (Raleigh Caudill), and Jason (Keirstyn) Miller. She was also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren that she loved dearly; Sophia, Neil, and Jakob Sullivan, Ainsley and Hattie Fry, Annabelle, Lillian, and Emma Fry, Luella, Daniel, Jolene and Vivian Miller.
Harriett is also survived by her siblings, Kurtiss (Judy) Reynolds of Thayer, Missouri, Laura Coats of Ozark, Missouri, Ronald (Betty) Reynolds of Koshkonong, Missouri, Jeannett (Larry) Dills of Rogersville, Missouri, Vera (Dennis) Dickman of Greensburg, Marvin (Sheila) Reynolds of Fredrick, Oklahoma, Sister-in-law Shirley Reynolds, Springfield, Missouri.
Harriett was known for her love of games and her role as the “keeper of the rules”—whether she had memorized them or made them up herself. Her competitive spirit and laughter made every game night unforgettable. She was also famous for her bread making skills, especially her cherished “Granny bread,” which was loved by all who tasted it.
Her home was a clean, well-organized place of welcome, warmth, and joy. She found happiness in the simple pleasures of life and cherished every moment spent with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers—Howard and Marcus Reynolds, sister-in-law Kathy Reynolds, brother-in-law, Danny Dieckmann, niece, Stephanie Dills—and the love of her life, James C. Miller.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Harriett’s life at Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 am. Rev. Carter will be officiating. Procession and burial will follow immediately at Smyrna Lutheran Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sandcreek Baptist Church or Margaret Mary Hospice.
Harriett will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
