After a long and courageous battle with cancer, it is with immense sadness that the family of Donna Caroline Miller has to announce her passing on August 26th, 2021. Donna was 58 years young and cherished her family. She defied doctors’ prognosis to spend every last day with those she loved. You would only have had to be in her presence for a minute to know that her strength to battle came from her strong faith in Jesus.
Donna was born on June 30th, 1963, in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, to Chris and Thelma Lanz. She grew up as a country girl developing a love for horses and loved raising her pet pig until it ended up on the supper table. After coming to Alberta and later in life settling in Medicine Hat, Donna married Dale James Miller. Together they blended two families and created many great memories. Most recently, in July, they celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary.
Donna leaves so many to cherish her memory. She was a loving mother to Kelly (Natalia) Holt, Cory (Falynn) Holt, Chantelle (Ryan) Freed, Matthew Miller and Kenny Miller. She also had a special place in her heart for her stepchildren, Brandi Droeske and Jesse Miller. Along with her children, Donna is survived by her nine grandchildren, Skarlett, Kingston, Phoenix, Brenton, Ryland, Hawksley, Hendrix, Chase and Ali. Donna is also survived by her five siblings: Debbie (Larry) Malpass, Diane (John) Reid, Danelle (Glenn) Christman, and Darrel Lanz, as well as many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Donna fostered many meaningful relationships within the church and the community where she was known for her smile and a helping hand.
Donna had a strong passion for helping others and after working with the elderly at various retirement and nursing homes, she felt called to help those struggling with homelessness and addiction. She transitioned to a role at the Medicine Hat Resource Centre and later took on a management role there, always striving to help those struggling, to find peace. Donna’s passion for helping others was never fulfilled and she later became a head Chaplin at the Medicine Hat Remand Center. With her time at the remand, she empowered many individuals to seek new beginnings and dedicated her time to support them through their transitions. In August of this year the remand dedicated the Chapel to Donna, formally naming it “The Donna Miller Chapel”.
Family! Donna’s most cherished value! Like many, Donna delighted herself in forming a family that she could care for. Donna instinctively was a true caregiver which ultimately led to her passion for helping others. Donna was the rock to her children and the glue to her blended family. Life naturally has many twists and turns, but blended families can sometimes see more. Donna prided herself in always stressing the importance of family. She loved each grandbaby dearly and often said there was no greater role in this world then getting to be a grandmother. Her favored pastimes were taking the kids to swirls, chasing them in the park or sharing fruit snacks with them while watching “Paw Patrol”. Donna’s love, moxie and memory will live on in each and every one of them.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 form 6:00 to 9:00 pm and/or on Friday, September 3rd from 10:00 to 10:55 am. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Friday, September 3rd, 2021 at 11:00 am with Art Hildebrand officiating. The interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Family and friends who are unable to attend are welcome to participate via livestream by logging in to www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Donna’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. If so desired, memorial tributes can be made the Medicine Hat Salvation Army, 164 Stratton Way SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta. T1B 3R3 and/or the Medicine Hat Community Housing Society, #104, 516 – 3rd Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0H3. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Donna Miller.
Read Less
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Caroline Miller (Lanz), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Donna Caroline Miller Lanz August 26th 2021..
Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Medicine-Hat, Province: Alberta