Barbara Irene (Wartena) Miller (80), wife of Kenneth T. Miller, formerly of Edgerton, MO entered her heavenly adventure on December 22, 2025, surrounded by her children and a few grandchildren.
Barb was the oldest child of Edgar W and Ethel Isabel Wartena born on April 23rd, 1945.
Out of a few careers, Barb’s favorites were being a farm wife (tobacco stripper) and being the principal’s secretary at North Platte High School in Dearborn, MO. After 10 years at North Platte, she retired in 2005 with many fond memories of the students and staff. Barb leaves some good friends and memories of her retirement years with Ken in Macomb, IL. She never knew a stranger, making friends everywhere she went from Missouri to Illinois and back home to Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her grandson Brian Nelson; her sister Nancy Denney and an infant brother.
Barb leaves her loving and devoted husband Ken of 50 years; her four children Dena Freund (husband Bob), Tim Roberts, Vince Roberts (wife Jeannie) and Cheryl Baker (husband Andy); her grandchildren Stephanie, Adam, Shea, Michael, Bryce, Emma, Elle, Kaegen, Maddie, Andrew, Drew, Evan, Cameron, and Shelby; 18 great-grandchildren; her sisters Cynthia Matlock, Pamela Williams, Cathy Wartena; her brother William “Bill” Wartena; many nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Ascend Hospice for providing comfort and care in her final days.
Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 2nd at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Platte Scholarship Foundation.
