In Remembrance Of
Barb Miller
Barbara Irene (Wartena) Miller (80), wife of Kenneth T. Miller, formerly of Edgerton, MO entered her heavenly adventure on December 22, 2025, surrounded by her children and a few grandchildren.
Barb was the oldest child of Edgar W and Ethel Isabel Wartena born on April 23rd, 1945.
Out of a few careers, Barb’s favorites were being a farm wife (tobacco stripper) and being the principal’s secretary at North Platte High School in Dearborn, MO. After 10 years at North Platte, she retired in 2005 with many fond memories of the students and staff. Barb leaves some good friends and memories of her retirement years with Ken in Macomb, IL. She never knew a stranger, making friends everywhere she went from Missouri to Illinois and back home to Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her grandson Brian Nelson; her sister Nancy Denney and an infant brother.
Barb leaves her loving and devoted husband Ken of 50 years; her four children Dena Freund (husband Bob), Tim Roberts, Vince Roberts (wife Jeannie) and Cheryl Baker (husband Andy); her grandchildren Stephanie, Adam, Shea, Michael, Bryce, Emma, Elle, Kaegen, Maddie, Andrew, Drew, Evan, Cameron, and Shelby; 18 great-grandchildren; her sisters Cynthia Matlock, Pamela Williams, Cathy Wartena; her brother William “Bill” Wartena; many nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Ascend Hospice for providing comfort and care in her final days.
Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 2nd at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Platte Scholarship Foundation.
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Service Details
2:00 p.m. Friday, January 2nd at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville, MO.
1:00-2:00 p.m. Friday, January 2nd at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville, MO.
Comments & condolences
8 comments
Curt and Linda Cook
So sorry for your loss. We have so many memories. The best one that comes to mind is our fishing trip to Canada with Barb, Kenny and Cheryl. A really good and fun time! You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Karla (Pulliam) Austin
Kenny,
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Barb was always was kind to me and to my dad. She will be missed by many.
Paige Newby
Barb will be missed! Enjoyed working at NP with her. Our paths have crossed many times throughout my life. I am blessed to have known her and her great family. 🙏🙏
Dena Freund
This is Dena, Barb’s daughter. How do we access the comments and condolences?
mandy@hkfuneralhome.com
The comments are on the website now below her obituary. All comments have to be approved by us before they are posted.
Marg Smith
Words can’t begin to explain the impact Barb had on everyone who walked through the doors of North Platte High School. From parents to staff to students, she had a way of making everyone feel better. I was glad that I retired the same year as Barb because the thought of North Platte High without her was a bit scary! I know that the family and friends are grieving this loss. May the memories help ease the pain for all of us.
Ashley Wallace
Meeting and getting to know and love Barb (and Ken) was such a pleasure. Praying for all of you.
William Warren Wartena
Truly sorry to hear of the death of my oldest sister.
Barb was a good woman and went out of her way to keep her family close and together.
Ken, Dena, Tim, Vince, Cheryl my dearest condolences. (She will be missed)
As much as I would loved to attend services issues with my heart won’t allow me to travel.
Wish the best for all.
Sincerely Bill Wartena.