atricia “Patty” Rose Larkin Miller, age 98 of Mexico, Mo. passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on June 9, 2023, completing a wonderful and well-lived life.
Patty was born on August 27, 1924, to William Douglas and Irene Lewis Larkin in Fowler, Colo. After graduating from Mexico High School, she earned her degree in elementary education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. At MU, she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta, and in recent years, received a legacy pin commemorating her 75th year as a proud Theta. After graduation, Patty taught kindergarten in Kansas City, Mo.
Patty met Lester J. Miller, Jr., (Jake) in high school and they reunited in Kenosha, Wisc., after Jake returned home from serving as a Naval Aviator in World War II. They wed in 1950 and raised two children, Lester and Michael. Patty and Jake made their home in Mexico, Mo., and enjoyed a long and happy marriage of almost 66 years. Patty was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She spoiled her family with her famous Christmas cookies and delectable meringues (most of her kitchen specialties involved sugar). As her kids and grandkids grew, she never hesitated to show her love with phone calls, Hallmark cards, and mailed news clippings, and often signed her cards and notes with a reminder to “have fun along the way.”
She enjoyed an active social life with Jake over the years, including activities at the Mexico Country Club and her lifelong hobby of bridge. Patty was a founding member of the Monday Night Bridge Club that played on Thursday afternoons. Not wanting to be left out, Patty took up the game of golf at the age of 55. She and Jake wintered in Fort Myers, Fla., for 20 years at their condominium. They maintained special friendships in both Florida and Missouri.
Patty was a proud Mexicoan and loyal to the end to her St. Louis Cardinals and her Mizzou Tigers. She never forgot her sunscreen and always left room for dessert. She loved hummingbirds, a perfectly ripe peach, her hairstylist, the season’s latest fashions, reading the daily newspaper, a trip to the movie theater, and cocktail hour. Patty was always dressed to the nines and ready for lunch or a night out on the town. Her grandkids joked that it wasn't a coincidence their cell phones always autocorrected her name to "party."
Patty was beyond proud of her boys—Mike, who still runs the 70-year-old family business his father started, and Les, a retired federal bank examiner and professional photographer whose beautiful photos could be found in most rooms of Patty's home.
Patty’s love for her family—and especially their dog, Cooper—helped her keep on for nearly seven years after losing her beloved Jake. It brings her family great peace to imagine them dancing together again.
Patty was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her sister Betty Durand. She is survived by her son Lester (Margie) Miller and his step-children, Will (Anna) Ballard, Anne (Kevin) Ellison, and Mary Ballard (Deno Tiboris); son Michael (Leslie) Miller and their children, Lauren (Andrew) Gaynor and Kent Miller (Michelle Abtahi). Patty is also survived by step-grandchildren Caroline and Andrew Ballard; Emmalee Moles; Sam Ellison; and Brandt and Molly Tiboris; and her great-granddaughter, Georgia Gaynor.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial may consider the Mexico United Methodist Church and the King’s Daughters Home.
Funeral arrangements will include a small private family ceremony at a later date.
Arnold Funeral Home is serving the family.
