Erma Joy Varner Miller, 91, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Friendship Manor, Rock Island.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Powersville Cemetery, Powersville, Missouri. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan, Illinois, is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to QC Paws in Joy’s memory.

Joy was born on September 15, 1934, in Powersville, Missouri, a daughter of Lloyd D. Gill and Orpha L. (Pollock) Gill. She graduated from Unionville High School and married Leonard Junior Varner on August 30, 1952. He preceded her in death on July 17, 1992. She later married Wayne Miller on January 2, 1998, and he preceded her in death on February 23, 2005.

Joy began her working years at the Spudnut Shop, later becoming 14th Avenue Waffle Shop. She spent several years also serving at the Star Sandwich Shop. Joy eventually retired from the 14th Avenue Waffle Shop after 37 years of “Joy”ful customer service. Through her years in the restaurant business, she became well-known for her friendly personality and formed many lasting friendships with many loyal customers who appreciated her warm smile and kind spirit.

Joy was a faithful member of 15th Avenue Christian Church and enjoyed helping with the church rummage sales and cookie walks. She liked crocheting, quilting, embroidery, and reading Guideposts daily devotions. Known affectionately as the “neighborhood mom,” Joy was deeply devoted to her children and actively involved in their lives and activities. She also had a special love for animals.

Above all, Joy treasured the time spent with her family, who will remember her for her kindness, caring heart, and unwavering love. The love that Joy had for her family was never more evident than in her love for cooking and baking for her family. Whether it was preparing a dinner for everyone that may have gathered for a day of yard work and cleaning up around the family home in Powersville or her holiday feast she would make full of baked goods, her one of a kind chili, or famous “orange chip dip,” the love could be tasted in everything thing she did.

Those left to cherish Joy’s memory include her daughter, Sondra Westmoreland; son-in-law, Kevin Guthrie; grandchildren, Derek (Angi) Varner, Stacey Sersig, Jeanie (Jake) Kirgan, Tony Westmoreland, and Cassie (Jadeyn) Lacey; 11 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Leonard Junior Varner and Wayne Miller; friend and companion, Richard “Dick” Donlin; sons, Lloyd David Varner and Gary Varner; daughter, Connie Guthrie; granddaughter, Holly Sue Graham; and brothers, John, Leo, Don, and Fred Gill.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.wheelanpressly.com.