Helen Nadine Miller

Helen Nadine “VanLoenen” Miller was born January 11, 1937, on the family farm in rural Bogue, Kansas to Henry and Bertha (Sparks) VanLoenen. Helen loved her family. She often talked about growing up on the farm with her five siblings, her chores, the stone house and boxcar they lived in. Her mother and baby brother died when she was six. Although it was difficult, Helen was so grateful to be raised with her brothers and sisters. She married Eugene F. Miller soon after graduation from high school and moved to St. Louis, Missouri. They had three children: Linda Marie, Michael Eugene and Kenneth Edward. As a homemaker, she followed her husband when his career took them to Florida, Fort Worth, Texas and Bixby, Oklahoma. They later divorced. She worked hard as an electrical draftsman assistant, food demonstration at Sams, and caregiver until she passed away. Celebrating weddings, birthday parties, and babies were highlights. All of us remember her delicious pecan pies and comfort food like big breakfasts and scalloped potatoes, but she REALLY loved to eat out. At the huge Malthaner family gatherings Helen had learned to go to the breakfast room for a more personal visit with family members. She was so proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed their spouses too. She was also very fond of her nieces and nephews and their families. One granddaughter remembers that she took good care of herself ~ walked daily, ate healthy food, and drank a big glass of water before bed. Helen was beautiful, and wore her makeup and clothes in a very classy style. She was also shy and opinionated. Helen enjoyed many things. Her home in Bixby, Oklahoma was her favorite place, especially her beautiful yard where she watched many different birds and animals. She loved her poodles. They were lucky as she took such good care of them. She loved to dance and attended dances at the Senior Center. Every month she and her friends went to Southern gospel concerts, especially if the Gaithers were playing. Her church was special to her. She made us laugh as she liked to talk about finding the perfect man to marry. She said once, "They say there's a man around every corner, but I guess I haven't found that corner." We had some great talks where Helen shared concern for the future being difficult for this generation coming up and we prayed together for them. Helen was living a life of faith in God and certain of her place in heaven because of her relationship with Jesus her Savior. After a fall caused by a simple trip, she began speaking of the presence of heaven as she awakened from surgery. She passed away October 19, 2016, while on vacation in Torrance, California. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Lawrence, Dale, Roy and Lynn; a sister, Mary de Bois; Left to cherish her memory are her sister Florence VanLoenen James; her children: Linda and Kent Malthaner; Michael and Elaine Miller; and Kenneth and Kellie Miller; nine grandchildren: Kurt and Lori Malthaner; Tiffany and Galen Garner; Keli and Bryan Kayser; Kristin Malthaner and fiancé Jonathan Wilson; Karla Malthaner; Marye Miller; Richard and Sarai Miller; Kora Miller; and Kelsey Miller; and six great grandchildren: Kate and Ava Malthaner; James and Norah Kayser; Zane and Thea Garner.