Mary Josephine (Daniel) Miller was born November 25, 1905 in Crete, Nebraska. She passed away October 13, 2002 at Newman Memorial Hospital in Emporia, Kansas at the age of 96.
The oldest daughter of Jospeh P. Daniel and Albina (Turek) Daniel, she was married to Ernest J. Miller on February 10, 1026 in Scott City, Kansas. They were married 63 and one-half years. To this union was born two daughters, Donna Bee and Mary Ann.
Ernest and Mary moved from Goodland, Kansas to Cheyenne Wells, Colorado before coming to make their home at the original Mt. Pearl ranch. They lived there from 1946 to 1977 when they moved to Kit Carson.
Mary was a member of the Methodist Church in Kit Carson, the U.M.W. and took part in the Senior Citizen Center. She was a homemaker who specialized in her bread baking, enjoyed her sewing and mending for many family members and friends – and loved making quilts and afghans for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the Range Ledger correspondent for the Kit Carson area and kept monthly weather records for a radio station in Goodland.
Mary had a special love for her milk cows, chickens and gardening. Even after moving to town she had a few chickens and found a space for a small garden. Family was also very important to Mary. She always had a smile and was quick to offer something fresh baked. Nothing made her happier than to make people eat – a lot!
Preceding her in death was her husband Ernest, her parents Joseph and Albina Daniel, a brother Joe Daniel, a sister Albie Holstein, her oldest daughter Donna Bee Ward, and Katherine Dunaway a niece Mary and Ernest raised from the age of 9.
She is survived by one daughter Mary Ann (Garry) Mott, a son-in-law Gene Ward, four grandchildren: Eugene (Linda) Ward, Pat (Marilyn) Ward, Shannon (Archie) Buddin, Brenda (Nute) Rucker, 8 great grandchildren: Lara and Ryan Ward, Bonnie (Clintin) Wallace, Megan Ackerman, Jenel Ward, Braidyn, Brityne and Breckyn Rucker and a foster daughter of Pat and Marilyn Ward, Alicia (Cody) Beason; 2 sisters: Emma (Roy) McRae, Julia Henry and other relatives and friends.
Musical selection was "One Day at a Time" provided by Marilyn Bullock organist and Monte Peterson soloist. Casket bearers were Frank Heins, Doug Heins, R.J. Jolly, Ronald White, Tim Hogan and Jeff Calvin.
Burial was in the Kit Carson Cemetery and memorials made be made to the First United Methodist Church, Kit Carson. Love Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.