May 27, 1959 – Sept. 16, 2024
Jodi A. Miller, 65, of Kewanna, passed away unexpectedly at 7:55 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at her home.
On May 27, 1959, Jodi Ann Miller was born in Gibson City, Ill., to Donald Ray and Dyann Cusick Miller. She graduated with the class of 1979 from Todd County Central High School in Elkton, Ky.
A revered law enforcement officer, Jodi initiated her professional career in 1980 as a dispatcher for 13 years. A pioneer, she transitioned as a police officer working the road with Rochester Police Department. Jodi served the city as chief of police from 2008-2012. In 2013, she returned to dispatch through 2016. On March 28, 2016, Jodi was appointed matron of the Fulton County Jail. She was looked to as a leader among her peers, and the officers and staff of the Fulton County Sheriff's Office looked to her for wisdom as their "Mother Hen."
Jodi was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Indiana Sheriff's Association, former board member of Crimestoppers, Drug-Free Fulton County, Shop with A Cop and Big Brothers-Big Sisters.
In her early adult years, Jodi enjoyed exploring the great outdoors, with joy-filled winter adventures skiing and snowmobiling. Her favorite destinations were Colorado and Montana. During the summer months, as an accomplished equestrian, she loved trail riding. Jodi played euchre and all types of card games. Always a part of her morning routine was a few games of Candy Crush while sipping coffee. To stay sharp, she played puzzles. Jodi also loved going to Chris Stapleton concerts with friends.
As a proud grandma known as Mimi, she introduced Brodi to adventures and opportunities to explore, returning to Kentucky frequently over the years. The arrival of Xena lit up her life. She enjoyed the company of her family with visits from Xena and when Brodi came out to grill steaks and taters. Mimi would make the BEST cherry fluff!
Left to cherish Jodi's memory are grandson Brodi Draper and great-granddaughter Xena of Rochester, sister Shannon Miller and companion Doug Pfahler of Rochester, brother Scott Miller of Cadiz, Ky., sister Penny Hendricks of Russellville, Ky., and sister Pam Wilson of Tennessee. Jodi will be sorely missed by her loving work family at Fulton County Sheriff's Department, 911 Communications and Rochester Police Department.
Preceding Jodi in death are her companion of 32 years Ed Beaird, daughter Tara Draper, and brother Jim Fink.
A celebration of the life of Jodi A. Miller is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St. Rochester. Her family will receive friends on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 4-7 p.m. and on Wednesday an hour prior to her services.
The Fraternal Order of Police No. 143 will conduct a memorial service following her life celebration. Memorials may be made to Shop with A Cop, P.O. Box 284, Rochester, IN 46975 or the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center, 1540 Lucas St., Rochester. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
