Joan E. (Kennedy) Miller age 79 of rural West Point, passed away at 9:19 PM Monday, November 24, 2025 in Franciscan Health Hospital, Greenwood.  She was born January 16, 1946 in Lafayette to the late Charles Warren and Phyllis (Layden) Kennedy.  She graduated as class valedictorian from Lauramie High School in 1964.  Folllowing graduation from high school she attended Indiana University and graduated with a BS degree.

Joan was a teacher for Tippecanoe School Corporation until 1972.  She married Vern A. Miller and they moved to Ohio both continuing their teaching careers. While teaching for 10 years in Ohio, she received a Masters degree from Miami University. In 1980 Joan and Vern moved back to the West Point community to take over operating the family farm.  In 1982 Joan enrolled at Purdue University as a freshman to pursue a nursing degree. Following her graduation and obtaining her RN in 1985, she was hired by St. Elizabeth Hospital as a surgical nurse. She loved her career as a nurse and served in several managerial positions within the surgical services area. Her last position at the hospital was Director of Surgery, PACU and same day surgery. During her 20 years at St. Elizabeth Hospital she earned her MBA from Weslyan University. She and Vern moved to Inverness, FL where she was hired as Director of Surgical Services and remained there for 5 years.  She then moved back to Indiana and became Director of Surgical Services at Connersville Fayette Memorial Hospital prior to her retirement.

Joan enjoyed socializing with friends as well as playing cards, marbles, knitting, puzzles, and reading with her children and grandchildren.  She loved being a mother and grandmother. Her family was her life, always her first concern and basis of her enjoyment and pride.

Joan is survived by her husband Vern and three children: sons; Jim (Cristi) Miller and Scott (Amber) Miller both of rural West Point and daughter Ann (Josh) McClain of Mason, Ohio.  Two stepsons; Steve (Audrey) Miller and Mike (Jill) Miller both of Indianapolis. Eleven grandchildren: Andrew (Kate) Miller, Megan Miller, Kennedy Miller, Caitlyn (Brendan) Hawbaker, Aubrey, Breyann, & Wyatt Miller, Payton & Colton McClain, Patrick (Leah) Crum and Carson Korb. Along with four great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Edward Kennedy of Lafayette.  She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and sister; Joyce Lee.

Visitation hours are Monday, December 1, 2025 4:00-7:00 PM and an hour before her funeral service, at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, with Pastor Mike Collins officiating.  Burial will follow in West Point Cemetery.  Memorial Contributions are preferred to Stockwell Community Church.  Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.