FORT WORTH--Mona Jane Miller passed away peacefully on Friday, June 30, 2017, after squeezing every ounce out of life! SERVICE: Her body was donated to science; so a celebration service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2017, at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church. Mona (aka Mona Jane or Jane) was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Dec. 3, 1936, to Allis and William P. "Bill" Murrell of Norman, Okla. She grew up asking questions, enjoying her family and friends, being in the high school band and orchestra, and traveling. She met her wonderful husband (and according to him, she was his "perfect wife'") on a blind date and knew he was the one. After dating for 3 years, she and Theron K. "Bud" Miller Jr. were married in Norman, Okla., at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church in 1956. They lived in Tulsa, Okla., for a short while after Bud graduated from the University of Oklahoma. She could often be seen bending over backwards for Bud and her two children, Mark S. Miller and Marilyn K. Brown. The family later moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where she began teaching art for 100 years (or at least 24) at Leonard Middle School, McClain Middle School, and Western Hills High School. While at WHHS, Mona taught many art students who were recognized for submitting outstanding senior portfolios and who became quite accomplished artists. As a result, she was also acknowledged as an Outstanding Teacher every year she taught. Additionally, Mona taught art at the FTW Children's Museum (later named the FTW Museum of Science and History) and jewelry design/casting at Tarrant County Community College. After retirement, she enjoyed taking water color classes under the tutelage of Soon Warren. Above all, Mona Jane loved the Lord, her family, and her friends. She is preceded in death by her parents. SURVIVORS: She is survived by her husband, Bud; son, Mark Miller, daughter-in-law, Mary Ann, their children, Scott and Stone from Houston, Texas, and her daughter Marilyn Brown, son-in-law Mark and their children Austin, Ashlyn and Alexandra from Wichita Falls, Texas. Her family would like to profusely thank the wonderful doctors and caretakers who helped cushion the transition into Gloryparticularly Jessica Nevil and Irma Chavez. Their love and support has been immensely appreciated. Please do not send flowers as they always made her sneeze. Instead, go out and give someone a big hug with exactly three pats on the back...as that is the Miller way!
Published in Star-Telegram on July 5, 2017