Josephine Virginia Miller

POLSON — Josephine Virginia Miller, 86, of Polson died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson.

Josephine was born Jan. 18, 1918, in New York City to Domenic and Ruth Trapani. Jo married Harry Lloyd Miller. Together they arrived in Polson from Maryland on July 4, 1981.

She received her major art education at Hunter College, New York City, and The American Academy of Art, Chicago. Both parents were art enthusiasts. Jo was an art instructor in public and private eastern schools.

She was a recognized professional illustrator and portrait painter of long standing. Her gallery and commissioned paintings have been exhibited in New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, the Sandpiper Gallery, Outlaw Inn, Yellowstone Art Museum, and the annual C.M. Russell art shows in Montana.

She illustrated book jackets, record album covers, art books, and periodicals. Jo was trained in traditional book restoration techniques by a British bookbinder. She did book restorations for private clients. As a volunteer of many years, she repaired and rebound books at the Polson City Library in Montana.

Jo was a freelance law enforcement and courtroom sketch artist. She received honorary membership in the Maryland "Crime Solvers" Organization, teaching quick sketch portrait recognition techniques from verbal descriptions of suspects.

Jo held membership in the Guild of Scientific Illustrators and had achieved Artist and Published Author status in the National League of American Pen Women. She was a charter member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts and held life membership in The American Artists Professional League.

Jo lived a colorful and creative life style. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harry Lloyd Miller; her son, Earl Miller, and a nephew, Donald Miller.

She is survived by a sister, Beatrice Jenkins; nephews Thomas Miller, Howard Miller, Roger Kaye, Glen Kaye, John Miller, Scott Miller, Harry Miller, Doug Miller, Roger Miller and cousin Dr. Valerie Calabria Maher.

Jo requested to be cremated and that there be no memorial service. Inurnment will be at the Maplewood Cemetery in Stevensville,.

Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson.