Obituary of Lois Kathleen Miller

Lois Kathleen Miller, neé Easterday, lived a life full of energy and kindness. She was born on August 29, 1947, and for more than 76 years she brought boundless energy to bear in caring for her family, friends, patients, and community.  She passed away gently on October 31, 2023 surrounded by singing, laughter, and family.   

She was born Lois, but was known to friends as Kathy and to her grandchildren as Mama.  She grew up on the shores of the northern Indiana lakeside town of Culver.  She was a quiet girl who loved playing with her siblings, catching turtles, and cheerleading.  After graduating from Culver High School, Kathy enrolled at Indiana University where she completed a degree in nursing. As a nurse, she cared for thousands of patients and worked with hundreds of colleagues over the years, but the most important connection she made was with Lloyd Miller, who was known to friends as Craig.  Kathy and Craig immediately fell in love on their first date and started a life together that included a family, a business, and a marriage that would last 50 years. They grew their family and business in Indiana and in Pensacola, Florida where they made many friends. 

Kathy was an accomplished sportswoman.  She played golf and tennis and was a long-distance runner.  Her friends often noted that she combined great golfing acumen with a deep understanding of the male ego by always waiting until the last few holes on the course to overtake Craig.  She loved running, and would walk, jog, and run with anyone anywhere, only to come home and clean the house, which earn her the distinguished title “Energizer Bunny” among family members.  She loved running races of all lengths, but her favorite was the marathon, which she ran in some noteworthy places, including across a sizzling volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island.  In addition to participating in sports, she loved watching sports, whether it was her beloved Duke basketball team or the yearly Indianapolis 500.

Kathy lived a life of service to others.  She was an active member of her church, and in her quiet way helped many people who were shut-in and needed companionship or other assistance.  She loved studying the Bible with her close circle of church friends and listening to the choir.  Her love of music, which she cultivated in her children, was deep.  She was a supporter of the local Children’s Chorus, and always positioned herself in the church pews where should could best hear the choir.  She loved karaoke nights at home and would delight in listening to the range of musical genres selected by family members.  

Above all Kathy loved God and her family.  She is survived by her children Sarah (George) Aaron (Giovana); grandchildren Sophia, Nora, Grant, Alina, Lucia, Nathan, and Ines; and siblings Roberta Lou (Charles), Carolee, and Gregory (Karen).  She was preceded in death by her loving husband Craig, and her parents Everett Earl Easterday and Catharine Marie Easterday, neé Zechiel.  

Flowers may be sent to St. Joseph Catholic Church or a donation in Kathy’s name may be made to the Pensacola Children’s Chorus in lieu of flowers via https://www.pensacolasings.org/supporters