Minnie Louisa (Babcock) Miller-Zimmerman-Ray went to her Lord and Savior at 8:19 pm on Friday, August 18, 2023 surrounded by many of her family members.
Minnie Lou was born November 25, 1928 in Agency, Missouri, daughter of Nancy P. (Deatherage) and Roy E. Babcock. She was Student Body President and graduated from Agency High School as valedictorian. She grew up in a large, loving family who enjoyed music and gathered around the piano to sing as she or her mother played. They sang at school, church and in the community.
She married Jack H. Miller at the home of Rev. Floyd B. Taylor in St. Joseph on December 25, 1947. They had three children, Patricia Ann, Connie Jean and David Alan Miller. After 40 wonderful years together, Jack died on June 24, 1987. She then was married to Waldo E. Zimmerman seven years, and Richard G. Ray thirteen years. Minnie Lou felt she was blessed to have married three special men (all WWII veterans). Each was unique, kind and thoughtful with loving families for which she was very grateful. Waldo's niece said she meant so much to them and their families as she was able to incorporate all their memories and their families together. Instead of just “moving on,” she expanded and drew them all in.
She was baptized at age 11 at Wyatt Park Christian Church, the same day as her brother, Homer 13. At the time they were members of Agency Christian Church, Agency, MO, but the baptistry there was not working. A member of Wyatt Park Christian Church since December 11, 1955, she was very involved in church activities, was a Deacon, then Elder, member of Christian Women’s Fellowship, youth leader, Vacation Bible School teacher, sang many years in the choir, and received a Life Service Award from her church July 7, 1996. She sang with Mother Singers, Sweet Adelines, St. Joseph Community Chorus, and Early American Singers. She was happy that her children and grandchildren shared a love for music as well. At times three generations sang together in the church choir.
Minnie Lou loved God and family dearly. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Always happy to have family together, she was supportive in all activities of the children and grandchildren, and very proud of all of them. She was a “people person,” always ready with a hug. She tried to set an example of faith, love and caring for others.
She was active in PTA at Hall Elementary, Bliss Junior High and Central High School, Girl Scout Leader, member of Pony Express Chapter of National Campers and Hikers Association, Good Joe Sams Camping Club, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She, like Jack, was an Amateur Radio Operator (Ham) and still maintained her license. She enjoyed family camping all over the U.S. and into Canada, bus trips, cruises, and traveled in several other countries - all things and places she expressed later that she couldn’t believe as a little girl from a tiny town that she got to do and see. She felt very blessed. Minnie Lou did extensive genealogy research, which the family appreciates.
Minnie Lou worked for Westab in St. Joseph, Kemper Insurance Company in Chicago, and retired as an Underwriter for American Family Insurance Company locally in 1986.
Minnie Lou loved BINGO, Wheel of Fortune, and watching her Royal’s baseball games right up to the end!
Minnie Lou was preceded in death by her three husbands; her parents; stepmother, Lillian Nelson Babcock; brothers Chester Ralph, Virgil Lee, Roy Dale, Homer, Gene, and sister Helen Joy Williams; beloved son David A. Miller; grandson Adam Lyndon Heard, son-in-law Joseph B. Prashak, Jr.; and step-granddaughter Emma Catherine Ray.
She is survived by two daughters Patricia Prashak, and Connie Heard (Roger); daughter-in-law Michelle Miller-Vandevort (Ted); and her beloved sister-in-law, Joan Miller of Bolivar, MO; stepsons William E. Zimmerman (Georgia), St. Louis, MO; and Richard F. Ray; stepdaughters Jennifer Wineinger and Peggy Tarpein (Dan); stepbrother Barry Nelson (Sonya); stepsisters Charlotte Brinton, and Phyllis Flinchpaugh who lives in Springfield, MO. Minnie has six grandchildren, Angela Prashak Neville (Bob); Brian Prashak (Amy); Brianna Miller Bottorff (Eric); Ashton Miller Cecil (Julian); Katie Heard Schweder (Clint); and Lane Heard (Janna). Minnie has eight great-grandchildren Liam, Adilyn and Ashlyn Schweder; Madelyn and Molly Sidwell; Max and Ivy Cecil; and Oliver Joseph Prashak; five step-grandchildren Amy Ellis (David); Matt Wenzel (Andrea); Megan Wenzel (Guy) Thevenot; Jordan and Caleb Ray; and step-great granddaughters Kylee Schweder Anderson (Jake); Rachel Neville; Morgan and Sami Ellis; Hannah, Chloe, Emma and Ella Wenzel; Emery Thevenot; and Joycelyn Bottorff; as well as and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation and Services Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Wyatt Park Christian Church, 2623 Mitchell Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64507. Public visitation 10:00 – 11:30 am. Service 11:30 am followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery.
