January 21, 2025

Linn County News

Published January 22, 2025

Bonnie Orene Miller, age 84, of Pleasanton, Kan., was welcomed home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. 

She was born the daughter of Harley and Dorothy Crall Myers on June 29, 1940, in Ottumwa, Iowa. The youngest of five sisters, Bonnie enjoyed walking in the park with her sisters, singing, swimming, and playing games. Her greatest love was babysitting, especially her sisters’ children with her oldest niece, Diana “DiDi” Cook (McCarl) and this is where her life-long love of taking care of others first started.

Bonnie caught the eye of a young Gerald “Jerry” Miller at Iowa Nazarene Church Camp and thus began their love story of 65 years. She married Jerry on Aug. 9, 1957, at the Keokuk Nazarene Church, in Keokuk, Iowa, and became a pastor’s wife. They pastored at Harlan, Lacona, and Fairfield, Iowa, before moving to Olathe, Kan., where they served together for over 25 years at College Church of the Nazarene. Throughout her life, Bonnie demonstrated unwavering faith, Christ-like humility, compassion for others and a servant’s heart. She was involved in countless ministries and church activities over the years, making a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.

Jerry and Bonnie retired to the small and welcoming community of Lake Chaparral/Pleasanton because it reminded them of their home state of Iowa. They were members of the Pleasanton Church of the Nazarene where Bonnie faithfully served in Women’s Ministry, Note Card Ministry, Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry and on the Church Board. They were married for 62 years, until Jerry preceded her in death on March 29, 2020. 

Bonnie lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed gardening, was well known for her love of garage sales, thrift shopping and antiques. Anyone who was blessed enough to be hosted by Bonnie would remember her as a gracious host (who always made more than enough food), with many beautiful knick-knacks and oh so many precious moments! In her free time, when she was not tending to her flower beds, or spending time with her grandkids, she would often be found serving at church dinners and events. Her greatest achievement in life, and her pride and joy, was her family! She wanted to know that each one knew how deeply they were loved and that they had given their life to the Lord and was walking faithfully with Him. 

She is survived by three sons, Darrell (Pam) Miller, Mound City; Kenneth (Ede) Miller, Lenexa, Kan.; and Brian (Joy) Miller, Rantoul, Kan.; and seven grandchildren, Ashley, Brandon, Rachelle, Stephen, Holly, Sara (Caleb), and Stetson and five great-grandchildren, Trenton, Teirnin, Tiana, Ashton and Marli, who will carry on her legacy of faith and love. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two brothers; and four sisters. 

A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m. at Pleasanton Church of the Nazarene, 1012 Laurel St, Pleasanton, Kan. 66075, officiated by her brother-in-law, Rev. Paul Miller. The family would love for you to join us in celebrating Bonnie’s bright and beautiful life and her love for flowers by wearing bright colors (she was particularly fond of blue, pink, and purple).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to New Horizon Ranch, in Bonnie’s honor, reflecting her commitment to serving others in the name of Christ, and may be sent in care of Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, Kan. 66075. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.