Judy Miller

Judy Miller, beloved by her many friends, church members, and co-workers, passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 2025, with her pastor and her brother Doug at her side.

Judy was born June 10, 1943, in Joplin, Missouri to Bill and Virginia Miller. She attended Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg State Teachers College and the University of Kansas where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. After a brief period working as a teacher, Judy realized that her professional interests lay elsewhere. She began taking classes in computers, IT, and accounting and shifted into a career with the firm that is today KPMG. From there, Judy moved into the utility business. She progressed through various positions with KCP&L, Aquila, and Evergy. Judy’s goal was to work productively until her 80th birthday, an accomplishment she celebrated as she retired from Evergy as a Project Manager in 2023.

Judy was a very active member of Village Presbyterian Church, holding a number of positions including head usher and deacon. For 15 years, Judy led the Christmas International program at her church. Over this period, Judy welcomed dozens of foreign college students to Kansas City for two weeks at Christmas, planning outings around town and a potluck dinner at church. A favorite tradition was the New Year’s Eve sleepover for the students at Judy’s home, complete with a fire pit to toast marshmallows and make smores. Judy stayed in touch with many of these students after their visit.

Judy was a well-known resident of her Brookside neighborhood and served for over 20 years as the Treasurer for her Hidden Park neighborhood association. Many neighbors knew her as “Walking Judy” from her miles-long walks through Loose Park, Brookside, and Mission Hills.

In addition to her daily walks, Judy loved to stay active through travel. In her early 60’s, Judy climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with her brother and a group of friends to raise money for African charities. Judy and her group all made it to the summit at 19,341 feet. Other travels took Judy to the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Kenya, Nepal, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. She loved learning about new cultures, and she made friends across countries and continents.

Judy had a big heart for both people and animals. Her home was never without a shelter dog and those fortunate enough to be adopted by Judy were showered with love, affection, and attention.

Judy is survived by her brother Doug Miller and Doug’s wife Audrey, her nephew Eric, and her niece Mika, along with Mika’s husband Dom and Mika’s two boys Theo and Julian. Judy loved visiting Doug and his family in Concord MA. Judy is also survived by her “adopted” family, the Webers. John, Tamara, Grace, and John Peter adopted “Aunt Judy” as a sister, grandmother and godmother when they moved into the house next door in 2002. Aunt Judy was a member of the family, joining in the celebration of every holiday, birthday and special event, and traveling across the US and internationally with them on adventures to hike, try new foods and experience the wonders in the world.

Judy’s sudden passing has been sad for her friends and family, but we are heartened by the last message she sent on a group text to one of her many friend groups. She had just run into one of them, unexpectedly, out walking on a beautiful Spring Day.

“God just keeps blessing me with these moments of JOY, that last a lifetime.”

Judy was a blessing to so many people. She will be forever in our hearts.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Monday, June 2 at 11am at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. The service will be live-streamed and available to view directly from a link on the church’s homepage at https://villagepres.org/online.