Patricia Ann Vaughn Miller, age 93, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2023 in Kansas City, Mo., surrounded by her daughters. She was born on September 4, 1930, in Wichita, Kansas to Anna Mae (Foster) Vaughn and Todd Luke Vaughn. Patricia grew up in Kansas and graduated from Eureka High School in 1948. She attended Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa and obtained an associate business degree in 1950.

Patricia was employed by several agricultural offices, including the Soil Conservation Service, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, County Extension Services, and Farmer’s Home Administration.

She married Arthur W. Miller on Friday, June 13, 1958, in Eureka. They had three children, Barbara, Melissa, and Jennifer, and raised them in Fredonia, Kansas. Patricia was a homemaker.

She canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, cooked all of the family’s meals from scratch, and was an excellent baker. She loved sweets, especially pie and chocolate, and any type of salad.

Patricia was a 4-H leader, member of Urban Unit for 40 years, and a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. She played violin in the Fredonia Community Orchestra and was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Mary and Martha Quilters. She volunteered for the Wilson County Fair and Rodeo, and also for the Fredonia Christian Church Thrift Store.

Patricia was passionate about family genealogy, and researched 35 or more family branches, as well as 5 families that were not related to her. She contributed research to the Wilson and Greenwood County Historical Societies. She kept a daily journal of happenings during her life.

Patricia was an accomplished seamstress and quilter and sewed many outfits and uniforms over the years. In the 1980s, she hand quilted numerous quilt tops that had been pieced by her great-great grandmother Catherine Hoy in the 1930s. She also enjoyed quilling (paper filigree) and made gift enclosure cards.

After retirement, she and Art wintered in Mesa, Arizona, and they enjoyed visiting with their children and grandchildren. She lived the last few years in Kansas City with her daughter Jennifer’s family, and then at Anthology of Burlington Creek. The staff at Anthology loved Patricia’s sass and her quick-witted comments. The family wishes to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Anthology and of Ascend Hospice for their kindness and care.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur W. Miller, and by her parents and sister, Mary Ellen Leean. She is survived by her children: Barbara Steele, Liberty, Missouri; Melissa Miller (Andy Smith), Topeka, Kansas; and Jennifer Miller-Cain (Rob), Kansas City, Missouri.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Evan Steele (Emilie Kundycki-Steele), Franklin, MA; Hannah Steele, Lee’s Summit, MO; Gage Atwood, Lee’s Summit, MO; and Gabriel Cain and Megan Cain of Kansas City, MO.

Burial was held on December 11, 2023 at Dunlap Cemetery, Dunlap, Kansas. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Greenwood County Historical Society. They may be sent in care of Barbara Steele, 496 Nottingham Drive, Liberty, Mo, 64068. A celebration of life will be held later in Fredonia, Kansas.