Nona Ruth Milner joined her beloved husband Joe on november 19, 2024. In her brief 96 years on earth she not only touched but contoured countless lives. To say she will be missed is a profound understatement. Born in 1928 she was a child of the depression and that molded her perspectives. Her mother was left with the daunting task of raising three boys and a girl in very difficult times. She remembered dinner consisting of coffee and toast occasionally. Whatever they had was appreciated and shared. She spoke of Christmas when she received an orange. She was delighted with the gift (the only gift) and she shared it with her brothers. She never considered they might be poor. She became the consummate wife and mother. Dedicated to a fault. When her two children went to school she wanted to make sure they got there safe. Having one car she improvised and became a school bus driver. Always made sure to have the route to Southeast elementary school to make sure Phillip got there on time. She developed many lasting friendships which continue to today. The bus girls still got together for lunch weekly 30 years after retiring. Friends that were family after some time. Yvonne, Judy, Iris and Ellie became true sisters. Lifting each other during trying times and celebrating the joy that life would bring. She made sure she got the bus trip for her kids sporting events and never missed a game. The Hickmans became her second family. They became so intertwined that the families became indistinguishable. Initially their involvement in school sports became a weekly collaboration to include all holidays and family events. Thanksgiving at the Hickmans was always an exciting event and that empty chair will be noticeable next week. Nona’s love of church and music were exemplified every Sunday starting at the old EUB church and then to First United Methodist. She was in the choir for over 75 years. Many of those years being a strong alto. As she continued into her 90’s her voice weakened but she proudly continued to provide a joyful sound if not always robust. In moms later years she became roomies with her daughter Nancy. A seeming odd couple that became inseparable. Her love for the tigers even took her to spring training. Nancy and Mom sat up late into the night to root on the tigers, even on late west coast games. Then she’d call Jean to rehash the game before turning in. A bigger fan was only duplicated by her mother Elizabeth who listened to Ernie Harwell every night on a transistor radio. When someone like this leaves our lives we are left to wonder how we can afford to lose this level of love and still find joy and contentment. A resource like Nona doesn’t come along often. I pray it’s possible to take her example and perhaps become a fragment of the angel that she provided the rest of us. Maybe collectively we can lift each other when we are weighted down and laugh and giggle at the joy that we can share. Mom gave us 96 years to learn these simple lessons. Thanks Mom and we’ll love you forever. A celebration of Nona’s life will take place on Friday, November 22, at 11:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church of Howell. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, prior to the start of the services at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the church. You may also visit Nona’s online guestbook at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com, MacDonald’s Chapel of Howell.