Juanita Miller

Juanita Rose Miller, age 89, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.  She was born on May 3, 1934, to the late John T. Barrett and Wanda M. (Till) Simmons, of Fort Wayne.  

After graduating from Central Catholic High School, she married Frank H. Miller, Jr., on July 24, 1954.  Juanita and Frank shared almost 60 years together in marriage. They made Syracuse their home, in 1972. The couple owned and operated the nostalgic MaryAnn Drive-In Restaurant, and the iconic Sleepy Owl Supper Club.  Nita later worked as executive secretary to the President of Commadore Homes, in Goshen, before her retirement in 2014.  She loved her work.

She is survived by her 4 sons, Nicholas A. Miller (Los Angeles), Gary L. Miller (Syracuse), Anthony J. Miller (Syracuse) and Christopher A. Miller (Wilmington).  She is also survived by her sister, Marjorie Haecker (Fort Wayne), her sister-in-law Norma Hinsey (Chicago), her brother-in-law, Ted Lepird (Fort Wayne), her daughter-in-law, Rachel Miller (Wilmington), her son-in-law, James Cole (Syracuse) and her 6 grandchildren, Josh Cole, Blake Miller, Amber Ball, Austin Ball, Grant Miller and Reagan Miller.  

She was preceded by her daughter Lisa K. (Miller) Cole (2007), and her husband, Frank H. Miller (2014) and by her siblings, Mary Jane Goff (Fort Wayne), William Simmons, Jr. (Fort Wayne) and Donald J. Simmons (Fort Wayne).

There will be a graveside service at the Syracuse cemetery on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Brad Cox officiating.

Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is entrusted with the care of Juanita and her family.  To leave a condolence or send flowers, please visit https://www.titusfuneralhome.com/.