Darlene Armanella Miller, 82, Minot died on Friday, February 14, 2014 at the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison, having spent the last two years of her life being loved by and loving those who cared for her.

Darlene was born on October 19, 1931 in Foxholm, ND to Ralph and Helen (Church) Burns. She was reared and educated in Foxholm and in Minot where the family moved in 1943. She graduated from Minot High School in 1949 and from Minot State College with a degree in Special Education in 1969.

Darlene married Gordon N. "Tom" Miller on January 7, 1951 in Minot. They made their home in Minot. Tom died on March 31, 1976. Darlene's loving family includes her children: Deborah Dyste, Rebeccah (Marcus) Eman, James (Linda) Miller and Jennifer (Patrick Paul) Kraft all of Minot. Darlene had eight grandchildren: Lisa (Adam) Gingerich, Diana Schroeder, Levi Kraft (fiance Lindsey Welstad), Andrea (Rick) Ferrera, Rebeccah Briana Eman, Gracia Eman (fianc Justin Clow), Jared (Natasha) Miller and Tara (Scott) Brodeur; eleven great grandchildren: Joshua, Laura, Christian, Cynthia, Amy, Nazmoon, Elliott, Dominic, Jessie, Jameson and Jillian and a brother, Alton (Patricia) Burns of Vadnais Heights, MN and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was married to William Dailey from 1980-1992.

While Darlene loved her family, her loving nature needed more outlets and she turned to teaching, reaching out to special needs children at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church and Minot Vocational Adjustment Workshop. These classes became part of the Minot Public Schools. Darlene taught at Roosevelt, Jefferson, Lincoln and Bel Air Elementary Schools as well as Ramstad Junior High School. Her students and their families felt her love for 25 years.

Following her public teaching service, Darlene helped others become caring teachers by serving as an adjunct professor at Minot State University for several years. She retired in 1993.

Darlene was a board member and ardent supporter of the Minot Public Library reading programs and Second Story Social Club. She especially enjoyed reading, composing poetry, playing the piano, flower gardening, fine arts and time spent at Lake Metigoshe.

Celebration of the Life of Darlene Miller: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church - Minot.
Graveside Service: Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. in Rosehill Memorial Park Minot.
Visitation: Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot.
Memorials may be sent to the Second Story Social Club - Minot, Minot Literacy Volunteer Program or the Benedictine Living Center Sunflower Neighborhood.