Bonnie (Karen) Rae Tate Miller passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at her home in Georgetown, TX. She was born June 22, 1949 in Olney, IL to Helen Andrews Tate. She attended Newton Community High School, graduating with the class of 1967. After graduation she attended Richland Academy of Beauty Culture and received her beautician license.
She met the love of her life, Richard, at the age of 17 on June 7, 1967 at the local Dog‘nSuds drive in just one week after graduating high school. They were married August 25, 1968 and remained devoted to each other until her death 55 years later. During their marriage they made their home in Illinois, Michigan (x2), New York, Georgia (x2) and Texas (x2).
Her passion for life was evident to all that knew her, always had a wonderful smile, great wit and never knew a stranger. She spent 13 years as receptionist and office manager at Central Texas Oncology as well as other retail positions as she followed Richard as he was transferred to different parts of the country, always leaving a lasting impression on everyone that knew her. She was devoted to her family and children and always willing to make sacrifices to do whatever was needed. She was always up for an adventure whether it was a cross-country trip on the back of Richard’s Harley, 185+ mph ride along laps at Talladega, dancing onstage with Rick Springfield or a hug and a kiss from Mario Andretti! She did it all!
She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Andrews Tate, and her half-sister Lisa Massey French. She is survived by her husband of 55 years Richard, her children, Heather (Ed) Penniman of Georgetown, TX, Jonathon (Jeanne) of Pflugerville, TX, and Rebecca (Brad) Burgess of Ellijay, GA. Her 5 grandchildren, Hannah Penniman, Reagan Penniman, Evelyn Miller, Bradley ‘Mac’ Burgess, and Andrew Burgess. Her half-sisters, Leslie (Mike) Apple of Newton, IL, Kathy (Doug) Hawkins of Newton, IL, Jan (Jesse) Rivera of Little Elm, TX, and Beth (Mike) Walker of Effingham, IL.
A celebration of her life will be held at Ramsey Funeral Home, Georgetown, TX at 2:00PM on Saturday, November 18. Karen’s obituary is being shared locally by the Meyer Funeral Home of Newton and the obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
In place of flowers, consider honoring Karen’s memory by donating to Living Grace Canine Ranch at https://donorbox.org/in-memory-of-bonnie-karen-miller.
