Obituary of Laleen Miller

Laleen (Dee) Miller was born February 23, 1925 in Jefferson City, Missouri. She was the daughter of Horace and Minnie Debo. The Debo family included eldest brother Vernon and Robert (Bob) Debo Sr. Dee was the youngest of the three. She dearly adored her two brothers. Both preceded her in death. Laleen (Dee) married Joseph Elroy Miller of Jefferson City, Missouri, where he worked for Adcock's Cafe as chef, and Dee took an early retirement from working in the office of the Secretary of State in the state capital building. Joseph's food preparation career brought them to Osage Beach, MO in 1975 when he accepted a position with Marriott's Tan Tar A Resort. The two of them were seldom apart and shared sincere joy in the other's company each and every day. Though they lived modestly, they were blessed with the wealth that money can't buy...they were blessed with a true love for each other... a gift many only dream to have. After a lengthy battle (17 years) with Alzheimer's Disease, Joseph preceded Dee in death by 2 years and 5 hours. He will now have his sweetheart back to never be separated again. Surviving are one child, Donna Schrimpf-Gum, married to Martin Gum of Lake Ozark, Missouri; her grandson Matthew James Schrimpf and his wife Kristi Schrimpf; two Great Grandchildren, Harper Lorraine Schrimpf and Lane Matthew Schrimpf, all of Osage Beach, Missouri; Step Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, Aaron Gum and wife Deana Gum with their children Ella and Evelyn Grace Gum, of Blue Springs, Missouri, Ryan Gum and wife Angela Gum with the their children Porter and Ryla Gum of Raymore, Missouri, and Kevin Gum and his wife Jessi Gum of Durango, Colorado. Dee so loved her family of nieces and nephews and was especially touched by those who continued to stay in contact with her through the Autumn of her years at Lakeside Meadows Retirement facility. Every phone call, each visit, Christmas cards, and sentiments of loving gifts were significant tokens of Love that kept the zest for life and love in Dee's heart. A new family was acquired once she moved to Lakeside Meadows. Her Angels on this Earth included the dedicated Hospice Staff, Nursing Department, CNA's and her Dr, Dr Mark Jones. Many thanks to all who loved and cared for this strong and wonderful lady... A lady that I proudly call my Momma. She will forever live on... in Donna and Matthew, we keep her with us,...we keep her in our hearts. Dee also dearly loved her "children with fur" An animal lover throughout her life. Many preceded her death over the years. One survives and is now with a loving family where she continues to thrive. The puppy, "Miss Molly" could not be overlooked. Dee and Joe will now be standing tall, no longer in pain, and waiting with open arms...until the day we all meet again. We thank you Mom, for all you've done, and for all you are. We miss you dearly and will love you Always! A Celebration of Dee's life will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, January 23, 2017 at Hedges-Scott Funeral Home in Osage Beach, Missouri. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm prior to services at the funeral home.