In Remembrance Of
Bonnie Miller
Bonnie Corrine (Justus) Miller, 85, passed away peacefully at Benton House of Staley Hills in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 31, 2023.
Bonnie was born on September 20, 1937, to Ross Alvin Justus and Hazel Mae (Fox) Justus, on a farm a few miles southeast of Smithville, MO. She attended the one-room Mitchell School for grades 1-8 before attending and graduating from Smithville High School. Bonnie met the love of her life, Richard Miller, and they married on August 28, 1955. Richard was in the Navy and stationed in California. Bonnie, age 17, left Smithville for the west coast. They were baptized together at a church in Chula Vista, California. Other assignments took them to Hawaii and Texas before Richard retired from the Navy and they returned to the heartland to raise 6 children.
Bonnie was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved her family and cherished time with both family and friends. Bonnie often organized picnics to gather friends and family. Before Smithville Lake was built, Lake Remote was often her location of choice for family gatherings. Later, Oak Grove Park in Gladstone was the regular site for her fun outings.
As her children entered their teens, Bonnie served children in the North Kansas City School District as a cafeteria worker at Clardy, Northgate and Fox Hill schools. Richard and Bonnie enjoyed volunteering for the Saint Luke’s Health System Northland Hospital Auxiliary for 15 years in retirement.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 2011, her sister Martha, and brothers Roy, Norman, and Vernon.
She is survived by her six devoted children, Richard (Cindy) Miller of Rogers AR, Julia (Chuck) Cooley of Ozawkie, KS, Linda (David) Dildine of Gladstone, MO, Sharon (John) Van Winkle of Raymore, MO, Randy (Julie) Miller of Liberty, MO, Nancy (Randy) Brashers of Branson, MO, sixteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her two brothers, Kenneth and Dean Justus.
A visitation to celebrate Bonnie’s life will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, August 4th at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home at 104 Church Street in Smithville, Missouri. A memorial service will follow at 2:00pm. Burial: Community of Smithville Memorial Cemetery.
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9 comments
Susan Sauceman Avery
We were so sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing, our prayers are with you all.
Bill and Carolyn Forsyth
So sorry for your loss she was a wonderful lady and a very good friend
Billy D Justus
I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful Aunt. I am sorry for not making it back home but I am working through some medical issues and couldn’t leave. God bless you all.
Meredith (Johnson) Ivey
Great Aunt Bonnie was such an inspiration–so beautiful inside and out. Sending heartfelt condolences, hugs and prayers during this difficult time.
Susan Satur
Bonnie was a very sweet and humble lady. She was a great lady to have as a neighbor. She often took care of me. May she rest in Peace
Ken Justus
Bonnie was a great big sister. Will miss our visits and reminiscing about life on the farm. She raised a great family, be proud Kids!
Jerry and Irene VanWinkle
Sharon,So sorry for your loss. We be praying for your family. Love, Jerry and Irene
Pat Allison
Linda and family thinking of you with prayers of peace during this difficult time. May your fond memories of great times with your mother give you comfort.
Chuck and Stacey Poole
We were sadden by the news of Bonnie’s passing. We send our love and prayers to the entire family and we hope that your wonderful memories of Bonnie will help you throughout this difficult time.