Erika Miller

Erika Renae Miller, 50, of Grinnell, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the Unity Point Hospital in Grinnell.

Following Erika’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and there will be a private family burial at the St. Mary’ Catholic Cemetery this time.  The family is planning on hosting a celebration of Erika’s life where everyone can come share stories and memories of an amazing woman.  Memorial contributions may be directed in Erika’s name to her family, which will be later designated elsewhere.  For further information or to leave a condolence please visit www.abelsfuneralhomes.com.  Creps Abels Funeral Home is caring for Erika and her family.

Erika Renea Miller was born on March 29, 1971 in Eldora, Iowa, the daughter of Michael Miller and Sharmon (Ankrum) Norris.  She was raised and educated in the Marshall County school district where she graduated from Pleasant Hill School in Marshalltown in May of 1991, where she learned to read, write, and do simple life skills.  Erika was always an extremely tough woman even since birth.  She not only faced many life threating issues growing up, but she overcome them as well.  She lived with paternal grandparents from 1975-1986.

In 1986, Erika went back to live with her mom in Hubbard.  Following graduation in May of 1991, Erika moved to CIRSI housing where she flourished as a more independent adult. Over the years she moved around to different group facilities from Marshalltown to Humboldt and her longest stay was at the Hampton Access Program where she resided until 2019, before moving back to CIRSI in Grinnell.

Erika had many challenges in her life but that didn’t stop her from living her life to the fullest.  She enjoyed bowling, especially with her grandpa who knew just how to hold the device for her and Erika absolutely loved her country music.  She was blessed to not only go to many concerts but got her picture taken with so many of her favorite singers.

Left to cherish her memory is her mother, Sharmon Norris; father, Michael Miller; many aunts, uncles, cousins and other loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Clifford and Ardis Ankrum and her paternal grandparents: Earl and Marguerite Miller.