Jennifer Miller Obituary

Jennifer Lynne Miller, age 66, passed away peacefully at Floyd Valley Hospital in LeMars, Iowa on July 22, 2025. Born to loving and devoted parents, George and Betty Dawson in Estherville, Iowa, Jennifer was full of curiosity, independence, and kindness.

As a child, Jennifer found joy in the simple things - playing with Barbies, building forts, roller skating and spending long summer days at the pool. She cherished time on the water with her grandparents and loved riding motorcycles with her brother and friends. Her early years were filled with laughter and friendship.

After High school, Jennifer attended the Spencer School of Business. She was a naturally gifted typist with excellent speed and accuracy. In early adulthood Jennifer embraced her wandering soul– hitchhiking, sleeping in tents on the beach, and seeking adventure wherever she could. She also developed a lifelong love of card and board games.

Jennifer was a woman of deep complexity – shaped by both joy and hardship. She was married and divorced twice, and through the years became the mother of four beloved children. Her eldest daughter was the consistent joy in her life and she embraced the role of motherhood when she was able. With profound love and courage, she voluntarily placed each of her three youngest children up for adoption as infants. Jennifer often sang "You Are My Sunshine" – a simple song that came to represent her deep, unpolished, passionate love for all of her children.

Throughout her life, Jennifer lived with mental health challenges that she eventually learned to face with honesty and grit. She became a fierce and passionate advocate – not only for herself but also for others whose voices were not being heard. Her determination led to positive change. At one residential facility she successfully pushed for a policy change so that all residents – not just a select few – could attend monthly outings. Thanks to her efforts, many more were able to experience joy, inclusion and connection in the wider community.

Art became a meaningful outlet for Jennifer. During her time in care, she created beautiful and unique pieces. She also loved writing and receiving letters and found comfort in the human connection they brought. Her friends and family often commented on her ability to keep in touch.

Jennifer's love language was gift-giving – she never came empty-handed and always delighted in giving to others. Her friends and caregivers described her as "generous, faithful, kind, caring, thoughtful, spunky, passionate, bold, and genuine." She was strong-willed, deeply independent, and determined to live life her own way to the very end.

Jennifer's Legacy is one of strength, struggle, perseverance, and compassion. She will be missed deeply and remembered fondly by those who were lucky enough to know her.

Jennifer is survived by her daughter Brandy (Tony) Untalan; her grandchildren Connor Escue, Merrideth Escue, and James Untalan; her Mother Betty Dawson; her brother Greg (Sherri) Peterman; her sister Jodi (Chuck) Dooley; two nieces and one nephew.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her father George Dawson and her nephew Adam Clark.