Martha Lillian Miller

Martha Lillian (Peterson) Miller was born on August 4, 1929, to Victor and Daisy (Williams) Peterson in Des Moines, Iowa. She spent her entire life rooted in the Youngstown community, now known as Pleasant Hill, a place she loved deeply and served faithfully.

Martha married the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” B. Miller, on January 6, 1950. Together they shared 65 years of marriage, raising a family, and building both a business and a legacy of faith, generosity, and service. Gene preceded her in death, but their partnership and shared purpose remained evident in all she did.

Martha attended a one-room schoolhouse in Youngstown before graduating from East High School in 1946. She later completed a training program that led to her employment at Meredith Publishing. Alongside Gene, she helped operate Miller Trenching in its early years while raising their children, contributing to the foundation of what would later become known as Miller the Driller.

Martha accepted Christ as her Savior as a young girl, and her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She and Gene were active members of their churches throughout the years, continually serving and giving. Martha lived out her love for Christ through unwavering generosity to her family, friends, and community. She was a devoted prayer warrior, lifting others up faithfully and selflessly. Her Christlike character, compassion, and concern for others endured to the very end of her life.

Martha was deeply involved in the Pleasant Hill community and dedicated countless hours to its growth and success. She served on the Pleasant Hill City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Pleasant Hill Cemetery Board, Metro Planning Organization, and numerous committees focused on city development. She played a significant role in major projects, including annexation efforts, the City Complex buildings, street completions, the Highway 65 bypass, and the Martin Luther King Jr. connector. In 2019, she was honored with the naming of Martha L. Miller Drive, leading to the Southeast Polk Campus—an honor she treasured greatly.

For more than 50 years, Gene and Martha served as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, bringing joy to the greater Des Moines community and touching the lives of three generations of children. Sharing Christ with others was an important part of their role, and they retired from this beloved tradition in 2011. They also hosted a Christmas brunch in their home for 16 years, welcoming the community with warmth and hospitality.

Martha was active for most of her adult life with Gideons International, serving through the Ladies Auxiliary. She and Gene traveled to many Gideons events and were always ready with boxes of Bibles to share with individuals and groups. She also volunteered extensively with the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, Bidwell Riverside, and East High Alumni. The Iowa State Fair held a special place in her heart—from selling water and Faithful Rainwear, to collecting pottery, T-shirts, and charm bracelets. Her love for the Fair began in childhood, when she lived close enough to collect ice cream labels to earn prizes, including saving enough to buy her brother Dick his first chemistry set.

A “sharp dresser,” Martha loved coordinating bright outfits with lipstick, jewelry, and hats. She walked with purpose, always on a mission, never afraid to strike up a conversation. She remained alert, engaged, and sharp-minded until her final days, blessed with a remarkable memory and awareness.

Martha enjoyed a wide range of interests and hobbies. She loved Cubs and Cardinals baseball, gardening and canning—an area where she was especially talented—reading avidly with the support of the Pleasant Hill Public Library, word search puzzles, parades, and live music. She delighted in watching her daughters and granddaughters perform in concerts and dance recitals, admired great kick lines like the Rockettes, and loved polka music, gospel music such as the Gaithers, and classic country favorites like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. She was known to clap along with nearly any music and to break into song with beloved tunes. Martha also enjoyed traveling, visiting places such as Alaska, Florida, the Panama Canal, Germany, Japan, Arizona, Branson, Napa Valley, and spending time with family wherever they were.

Martha is survived by her children, Kristine (Bob) Young, Debra (Steve) Sovereign, and Penny (Dave) Bellnap; her brother, Richard (Sandy) Peterson; her grandchildren, Brandon (Wendi) Young, Karey (Kenton) Kyer, Felicia (Ryan) Kelly, Corey Bellnap, Dawn Jones, Amber (Jeff) Myers, and Jeremy Sovereign; her great-grandchildren, Connor (Alexis) Young, Devin (Nathan) Jones, Marisa (Joe) Young, Dezi Jones, Gabe Myers, Savannah Kyer, Talon Kyer, Maxx Myers, Ellie Bellnap, and Hudson Bellnap; her great-great-grandchildren, Olive Young, Jayc Jones, and Dayzi Jones; bonus great-grandchildren, Noah Cameron, Tylar Cameron, Kenadee Cameron, Tatum Kelly, and Sylvia Scrignoli; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Daisy Peterson; her husband, Eugene “Gene” Miller; her sister, Marilyn Fogle; her brother, Charles Peterson; her grandchild, Jordan Sovereign; and her great-grandchild, Dakota Ramirez.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Rising Sun Church of Christ in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, also at the church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

In honor of Martha’s bright spirit, guests are encouraged to wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Gideons International, East High Alumni Class of 1946, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, or the Pleasant Hill Public Library in loving memory of Martha.

Print