Sharon Dorthea Miller

Born on September 27, 1943 in Seattle, Washington to Dorothy and George M.R. McKinzie, Sharon’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of humor, drama, and the occasional plot twist.

For more than 35 years, Sharon graced the halls of the Davenport Community School District, not just teaching speech, drama and English, but also imparting the wisdom that life, much like a well- crafted play, is best enjoyed with a touch of flair and a lot of heart. Her directorial endeavors extended beyond the classroom to the stages of the Quad City Music Guild. One of her favorite quotes was, “Life is not a dress rehearsal”, and that was certainly how she lived her life.

Sharon’s educational journey began at McKinley Elementary and continued through Central High School in Davenport, Iowa. She furthered her education at Drake University and Marycrest University, where she honed her skills and prepared for a rewarding career in education. Her commitment to the arts was nurtured under the mentorship of Mary Fluerer Nighswander at Junior Theater in Davenport, which profoundly influenced her teaching and directing style.

She married Robert O. Miller on August 6, 1966 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa and then took their first of many trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Bob and Sher went on to have 3 children; Mike, Rob, and Kris who cherish their many trips as a family to “the Lake”.

A lifelong member of Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Sharon’s faith was as genuine as her smile, and as enduring as her legacy. Her script included roles as a devoted mother, adoring grandmother, and a scene-stealing great grandmother. She was known for her energetic, loving and compassionate nature and when asked how she was doing, her answer was most often, “fat and sassy as ever”. In addition to devoting her time to her children and grandchildrens many events, her hobbies included; spoiling her (or any) dog she met, traveling, crafting, watching Iowa Hawkeye Basketball (especially March Madness), reading, and spending time (often “lunching”) with her good friends (Donna, Chris, Les, and Lorna).

Sharon is survived by her children, Michael (Lisa) Miller, Robert M. (Emily) Miller, and Kristin (Jack) Wilkinson; grandchildren, Jordan Miller (Alyssa DeLoach), Tyler Van Alsburg, Alyssa (Peter) Cooney, Jenna Wilkinson, and Ella Miller; and a great grandchild Cecilia Sharon Cooney; her brother Denny (Pat) McKinzie; as well as many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert O. Miller; her parents, Dorothy and George M.R. McKinzie; sister, Lynn Fitzgibbon; brother, Randall McKinzie; and several cherished great aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 26 from 9 to 11 AM followed by the funeral service at 11 AM at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa with lunch to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Scott County Humane Society in Sharon‘s memory.

Sharon‘s Legacy of love, family, education, and the arts will be remembered and celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to know her.