Jane (Nelson) Miles

Engra Jane Miles, 97, a resident of Patterson, MO, for more than 50 years, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Belle Plaine, KS, where she spent the last six years of her life. Jane was born November 12, 1928, in Hayden, MO, the daughter of Robert Onslow and Engra Arkatie (West) Nelson.

During her school years, she attended Clifty School, a one-room schoolhouse near her home. After graduating from high school in Vienna, MO, she returned to teach at Clifty—her first teaching position. After she was married and had children, Jane attended Southwest Baptist College (now Southwest Baptist University), where she earned her teaching degree. On June 4, 1955, in DeSoto, MO, she married L.C. Miles, and together they were blessed with three children. They moved around for some time before settling on 250 acres in Patterson, MO, in 1967, where she lived until moving to Kansas in 2019. Jane began teaching in the Clearwater School District, and before retiring in 1982, she taught kindergarten as well as fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. During her tenure, she had the joy of being both Lee’s and Rena’s teacher.

Jane was gifted with her hands and found great joy in quilting, embroidery, chicken scratch, and crocheting, creating many pieces that she shared with family and friends. As an active member of Patterson Assembly of God Church, she participated in a small women’s group that once completed an extraordinary project—making 100 quilts in a single year for Teen Challenge. The group also crafted quilts to sell in support of the church, a cause close to her heart. Jane often brought quilt blocks home, faithfully working on them each day, stitch by stitch.

Jane’s life was anchored by a strong and steady faith that guided everything she did. She was devoted to nurturing that same foundation in her children, faithfully taking them to church and teaching them the importance of faith in God. She prayed for them regularly, believing deeply in the power of God’s love and protection. Her quiet devotion became a constant source of strength for her family, leaving a legacy of faith that continues to inspire.

Jane lived a long and fulfilling life, devoting herself wholeheartedly to those she loved. She was a caring daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose commitment to the people around her touched countless lives. Her home was a place of warmth and hospitality, where family, friends, and even friends of friends were always welcome. Anyone who stepped through her door was sure to be offered a meal—a tradition that reflected her generous spirit and open heart.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, L.C. of forty-eight years; brothers: Lawrence Onslow Nelson, Fred Nelson; sisters: Evelyn Stauffer, and Anna Eaton.

Jane is survived by her loving children: Lee Miles and wife Kelley of Greenbank, WA; Engra Rena Hixon and husband David of Belle Plaine, KS; and Mark Miles and wife Juanita of Patterson, MO; seven grandchildren: Clarissa Gallentin and husband David, Ingera Elizabeth Hixon, Joshua Hixon and wife Kara, Anna Willis and husband Bryan, Miranda Miles, Matthew Miles, and Marissa Miles; three great-grandchildren; and her sister, Stella Caselton of Iowa Falls, IA.

Visitation was held at 10:30 am, Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service followed at 11:30 am, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Pastor Wayne Page ministered to the family. Lee Miles read the obituary. Lee Miles and David and Rena Hixon all gave a heartfelt eulogy. Lee Miles, Mark Miles, David Hixon, Joshua Hixon, Matt Miles, and Scott Mier served as pallbearers. Burial was at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Silva, MO. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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