Mary Miller

Mary Carolyn (Wilcox) Miller  passed away peacefully in her home in Kansas City, Mo. on January 15th, 2022, knowing she was loved by her family and friends. She was born to Helen and John Wilcox on the family farm near Osborn, Mo. March 31, 1928. She was the first born of five, James, Naomi, and Robert who proceeded her in death and Homer Lee who survives her and lives with his wife Judy in Kirkwood, Mo.

Mary graduated Valedictorian from Cameron High School in 1946, where was active in choir and 4H. She attended Missouri University in Columbia where she studied home economics and met the love of her life, Lyndell Charles Miller. They were married July 3, 1948 and moved to Kansas City, MO where they celebrated 53 years of marriage, prior to his death in 2001.

They had two daughters, Elizabeth Jane (1949 - 2002) and Janet Ruth. Janet and son in law, Mark, have taken care of Mary on her “family farm” in Clay County where she spent her final years enjoying her colorful flowers, birds, trees, and bees.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet and son in law Mark Winkler, of Kansas City, KS, two granddaughters, Angie Winkler and Carolyn Winkler, of Kansas City, MO and four great grandchildren, Nathan, Willie, Jackson, and Emily. Mary loved and enjoyed time with her great-grandchildren so very much. They were the love of her life after her husband passed on.

Mary was a housewife, raising her two daughters, a Girl Scout Leader and PTA mom. Mary received her Associates degree from Maple Woods Community College in 1974 in Accounting and went on to work for H & R Block for 36 years, where she made many friends and had numerous loyal clients. She especially enjoyed preparing farm taxes.

Mary raised chicken and ducks and maintained a large garden, fruit trees and canning produce for the family to eat during the cold winters in Clay County. She attended many Ham Radio events with her husband. After his death, she continued to maintain the family farm, gardening, bird watching, baking, and selling honey to her many customers and friends.

Perhaps her most important connection was as a charter member of the North Star United Methodist Church. She loved watching the church grow and finally move to its permanent home near hers, just “across the highway.” She was active on the business committee, balanced the books for many years, and was a member of the Prayer Team. She volunteered for BackPacks for Kids, was a volunteer reading buddy for an after school program, and was proud to support Baby Grace ministry, Heifer International, and Relay for Life. She continued to drive herself there until a hip replacement and COVID19 made that impossible. Her final visit was to Christmas Eve service, 2021. Mary loved her North Star family and all of her friends so very much where she was known as the church grandma. She knew Jesus as her Lord and savior and had faith that she was going home. Her mantra was “Trust and Obey” and she lived by the adage “always choose Love.”

Mary proudly attended many graduations and programs of her daughters,  granddaughters and great grand children.  She was an avid sports fan loyal to her Mizzou Tigers, KC Royals and KC Chiefs.  But her favorite athletes were her great grandchildren and she regularly attended their ball games up until the very end of her life. She also was a front row attendee to many musicals, preschool graduations and art shows.

She will be greatly missed as the presiding matriarch of all our family gatherings and events.  She was known for her cheery disposition and her unconditional love for her family and friends. She told us many times how much she loved us.

The family plans to have a Celebration of Life for Mary in Spring 2022.

The family asks that all attendees wear masks and respect social distancing.