Reva Imogene Miga's Obituary
Reva "Imogene" Miga passed away June 19, 2017. Her body needed rest and she finally acknowledged its calling. She was 99 years old.
Imogene was born January 7, 1918 in Bluejacket, Oklahoma in a house her grandmother Ayers owned. Her parents were James and Ella (Ayers) Slagle. She married Albert Miga on November 24, 1937. They divorced in 1943.
Imogene's family moved to Coffeyville, Kansas when she was an infant. She attended school there and graduated from Field Kindley High School.
While raising her two girls, Imogene worked at the Singer Sewing Machine Company in Coffeyville teaching sewing skills; a calling and an art she practiced her whole life. She was known for her beautiful articles of clothing and useful crafts which were carefully planned, artistically designed and meticulously crafted.
Imogene’s father owned horses and, as a member of the Ladies Riding Club, Imogene rode in many area parades and rodeos, and in the American Royal Parade in Kansas City twice.
In 1955, Imogene moved to Boulder, Colorado where she worked as a sales associate at J.C. Penney’s for 35 years. After retiring, she still spent many hours at "Penney's" . . . SHOPPING!
Imogene was all about family and getting the most out of life. Grandchildren were everything to her. While they were little, she would sit them on her lap and teach them how to sew. She was present at school events, graduations and weddings (often traveling great distances) and never missed an opportunity for a sleepover.
Colorado was her spirit home and she delighted in showing out-of-staters her magnificent Rockies with fields of colorful wildflowers and snow in summer.
Imogene's volunteer contributions are legendary. She played a vital role in the founding of Acts 19:11
(a therapeutic horseback riding program for handicapped children), and supported the program in every way possible. During classes she fitted helmets and sometimes led a pony. At the Bronc & Roll rodeo, she was in charge of refurbishing at least 350 trophies every year to ensure that every child participating received an award. Using her considerable sewing skills, she designed and made special saddle pads and covers to be used at parades. She solicited donations and worked tirelessly for every fundraising activity.
She gave new meaning to the name "Grandmother." Besides her own family of children, she was "Grandmother" to hundreds of Acts 19:11 volunteers and riders as well. Many of the children attending had no one else to give them the sense of security, acceptance, and caring attention they got from "Grandmother." She felt that working with children kept you young; that they were our future and nothing could be more important. Imogene was one of 12 national winners of J.C. Penney’s Volunteer Service award in 1984 which included a trip to New York City and a generous check for Acts 19:11. Imogene received the Founder’s Award from Acts 19:11 in 1992.
Her volunteer activities extended far beyond Acts 19:11. As a member of The Church at Woodmoor in Monument, Colorado, she was available for myriad tasks large and small. As the treasurer of the Women of the Church, she organized and oversaw a major fundraiser that added thousands of dollars to the church outreach budget over the years. For her dedication to performing God's work here on earth,
The Church at Woodmoor awarded her Volunteer of the Year in 1992 and the Founder’s Citation in 1999.
In 2009, Imogene moved to Chanute where she embraced her new community with enthusiasm. She loved to dance, was an active participant at the Chanute Senior Center and a joyful member of the Big Creek Chapel.
Imogene exhibited many basic and successful characteristics. Be yourself. Do what you are capable of doing and do it well. Instill trust in your family and friends. Show that you are caring and have commitment. And always do your best.
She is survived by her daughters, Gay O’Rourke and husband, Tony, and Adele Mingus and husband, Stanley, both of Chanute. Imogene was blessed with 5 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and 5 nephews and their families.
Cremation has been requested. Interment of her ashes will be in the Columbine Glen Columbarium at the Church at Woodmoor in Monument, Colorado. Greet the family at the Big Creek Chapel, 230th & Lyon Road Sunday, June 25th at 10:15 a.m.
Memorials have been suggested to the Cherry Street Youth Center, 710 N. Forest Ave., PO Box 414, Chanute, Ks 66720.
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