Steven Dale Miell

Steven Dale Miell was born March 24, 1951 in Denver, CO to Lyle and Bettie (Calvert) Miell. He attended grade school and junior high in La Junta, CO. The family moved to Rocky Ford his freshman year of high school, where he played football, ran track, and won the top award at the OJC art show his senior year. He graduated in 1969. Shortly after, he joined the Army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he met the love of his life, Jeanette McDonald. They were married March 24, 1972 in Rocky Ford. He then attended the Rocky Mountain School of Art in Denver, from which he received his degree. He was employed for many years at the Rocky Ford Power Plant, and then at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility, retiring in 2009.

Steve was an extremely talented artist. He had the rare and beautiful ability to see art in absolutely everything. That unique perspective of the world around him influenced everything he did. He loved to sketch, paint, and sculpt. He was well known for his quirky caricatures and doodles of the people and things in his life.

Steve also had an intense passion for music. He was a gifted musician and songwriter. Music was simply a part of his soul, and he passed that trait on to his children and grandchildren. He was a musical influence throughout his family, inspiring his children and many of his nephews and great-nephews to learn to play guitar.

His love for his family was immeasurable. His wife, Jeanie, was the greatest love of his life, his true soul mate. His love for her showed through in much of his art and his songwriting. Steve and Jeanie complimented each other perfectly: she was the rock and he was the roll.

Steve loved his children deeply and unconditionally. He had a special place in his heart for each of his grandchildren, and he took visible pleasure in every moment spent with them.

His sense of humor was unparalleled. He was able to find humor in any situation, and everywhere he went, the sound of laughter followed.

He enjoyed every aspect of nature, and was an avid camper, hiker, and fisherman. His love of the outdoors stemmed from his early days as a Boy Scout and eventual Eagle Scout.

Steve was a true free spirit, one of the last remaining hippies, and he lived his life in love, peace, and harmony. He truly believed and often said that, in the immortal words of The Beatles, “all you need is love.”

Steve is survived by his wife Jeanie of 46 years, son Justin (Yolanda) Miell, daughter Saren (Mitch Hamm) Miell, grandchildren Taylor (Patrick) Stedman, Tiffany Baiocco, Lennon Miell, Dylan Miell, Harmony Muniz, Zen Muniz, Lila and Lucy Miell; brothers Rick (Gloria) Miell, Dan (Nadine) Miell and sister Louann (Max) Cordova, and several nephews and nieces who admired and loved him. Steve is preceded in death by his parents and sister Sharron Miell.

As per Steve's wishes, there will not be a traditional funeral. Instead, we will have a "Music & Memories" Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 16th at 1720 Washington Avenue in Rocky Ford starting at 2:00 pm. All family & friends are welcome to attend. Feel free to stop in, share memories, jam some music, and celebrate Steve's life.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers or contributions, donations be made in Steve’s name to Arkansas Valley Hospice, PO Box 408, La Junta, CO, 81050 direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.