Bonnie Jean Miller

A celebration of the life of Bonnie Miller, 81 of Truman will be Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 PM at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Fairmont. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Bonnie passed away Sunday morning, November 17. 2019 at Lakeview Methodist Healthcare Center in Fairmont. Zaharia Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. www.ZahariaFamilyFuneral.com

Bonnie Jean Hunter was born April 1, 1938 to James and Beatrice (Hewson) Hunter in Buffalo, New York. The oldest of six children, she spent a lot of time looking after her younger siblings. She completed her education in Buffalo. Her family later moved to Iowa and there she met the love of her life, Arthur Miller. After four dates, the two were married on September 22, 1956. They first made their home in Des Moines, Iowa and lived in various parts of Minnesota and Iowa throughout their life together. To this union, four daughters were born: Cathie, Pam, Carrie and Liz. Bonnie was primarily a homemaker when her children were young but held various jobs in the years before her retirement. She spent many years cooking and baking for her family for holidays.

Bonnie and Art retired to Wabasha where she was president of the American Legion Auxiliary. They played a very significant role in opening the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. They greatly enjoyed boating in their pontoon on the Mississippi river. Later, they relocated to Truman to be closer to their family. She became a resident of Seasons Healthcare in Trimont in May of 2019 before moving to Lakeview shortly before her death. 

Bonnie was an avid reader until her sight prevented her from being able to read, after which she enjoyed listening to books on tape. She was known for crocheting many afghans for her family members as well as many veterans in the area. Bonnie’s love of the Lord was a very important part of her life. She attended the Evangelical Covenant Church in Fairmont. She will be remembered by her family for her quick wit and her fierce and unconditional love for them. Over the years she attended many sporting and school events and graduations for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was delighted to meet her first great-great grandchild a week before she passed away.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 63 years, Arthur Miller of Truman; Her daughters, Cathie (Kevin) Krueger of North Mankato, Pam Schulz (Tom Harig) of Fergus Falls, Carrie Mason of Las Vegas, Nevada and Liz Strauser (Chris Dawkins) of North Mankato; brothers, James Hunter of Summerville, Georgia, John (Kathy) Hunter of Millport, Alabama, David Hunter of Buffalo, New York and Mark Hunter of Buffalo, New York; sister, Donna (Bob) Mussell of Buffalo, New York; grandchildren, Josh Miller of Fairmont, Melissa Krueger of North Mankato, Andria (Keith) Moran of Grattinger, Iowa, Megan Stevensen of North Mankato, Jacob Mason of Las Vegas, Nevada, Amber Mason of Las Vegas Nevada, Samantha (Justin) Phillis of Fairmont and Cynthia Strauser of North Mankato; 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild with another on the way; as well as nieces, nephews and other extended family.

In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Ina Hunter; son-in-law Dan Mason and her great-granddaughter, Amelia Phillis as well as other extended family.

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