Giovanna Fortunata Milner

Giovanna Fortunata Furano Milner, our beloved Mother and Grandma, age 97, peacefully returned to her heavenly home for a joyful reunion with loved ones on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Born May 9, 1929, in Salt Lake City to Matilda Elizabeth Mariani and Antonio Furano. Her passionate Papa, head chef at the Hotel Utah, and her mindful Mama, gave her a foundation for life with a love for family, faith, food and traditions. She was a loving sister to Pete, Catherine and Nina Furano. At Bryant Junior High, she fell in love at first sight with cocky, confident, comedic and charismatic Ralph Richard (Dick) Milner. They were loving soul mates, and married for time on March 12, 1948, in the Cathedral of the Madeleine. As a young mother, she was introduced to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After hearing about the prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, she said she felt as if she had “come out of darkness and into the light.” Valiant in the LDS faith, she was instrumental in leading and guiding her husband and children into full fellowship and activity in the Church. They were sealed together as an eternal family in the Salt Lake Temple, January 10, 1964. A woman of great faith, she lived an exemplary life of service to her family, friends, church and community. A humble soul, she was grateful for the simple things in life. Raising her family on modest means, she enjoyed shopping at thrift stores. (Deseret Industries) She loved being a mother and homemaker, vegetable gardening, doing laundry, dancing to all kinds of music (Neil Diamond), and especially preparing and cooking delectable healthy homemade Italian meals for her family and friends. She jokingly said she was always “the best eater,” and more importantly she taught and encouraged her family to “Feast upon the words of Christ.” She is preceded in death by her devoted husband Dick, faithful sons Richard and Ted Milner, and son-in-law Ray Milius. Survived by children, Frank (Carolyn) Milner, Sheran Milner Milius, Joanne Milner, Kerry Hill Milner (Ted’s wife), Sam (Becky) Milner, Diane Stensrud Milner (Richard’s wife), Elsie Dee, a Navajo foster-daughter, and Pucci, her loyal canine companion. Her fervent testimony and posterity are her living legacy and most priceless possession. A “Beloved” mother of six, a “Grand” mother of 19, a “Great” grandmother of 35, a “Great-Great” grandmother of five, and more importantly an endeared “Grandma” to all she knew and loved. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Noon at the Draper 9th Ward, 12353 So. 600 East, Draper. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10-11:30AM. You may watch the service online through Zoom by clicking on the "Watch Service" button above. Until we meet again, our dearly beloved and blessed Mama and Grandma, Arrivederci!