Obituary of Gwendolyn Miller

View Video Tribute Lifelong Burlington, Colorado resident Gwendolyn Lee Miller passed away from pneumonia on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at her home surrounded by loved ones. Gwen was born to George and Thelma (Seid) Andrews on June 19, 1932 in the family home southeast of Burlington. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1950. Gwen married James R. Anderson on April 8, 1951 and they were blessed with four children Douglas Edward, Donald Ray, Darcie Ann and Dixie Lee. Jim passed away on September 4, 1978. Gwen married Forrest N. Miller on November 4, 1981. Forrest passed away on April 26, 2006. Gwen was extremely talented and pursued her numerous interests with passion. She was an accomplished artist who enjoyed china painting, sewing, quilting, cake decorating, and interior design. Gwen was also an avid bowler, golfer, gardener, and bridge player. She also loved entertaining guests in her home. Gwen was very active in the community and was a member of the Women’s Club, United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Rainbow for Girls and Kit Carson County Republican Women’s Club. She also volunteered many years as a 4-H leader and served as superintendent of the Fine Arts Department at the Kit Carson County Fair. Gwen was very involved and enjoyed her high school activities and was a driving force in keeping the proud BHS class of 1950 in touch for the past 59 years. On September 5, 2004, Gwen suffered a massive stroke which left her partially paralyzed and unable to speak. Despite long odds, she utilized her usual sense of determination and perseverance and eventually learned to walk again. She also developed many new hobbies and especially enjoyed challenging her guests to a game of cards. She was an avid baseball fan, always rooting for the Colorado Rockies. Gwen continued to devote herself to her family and friends, and was blessed with loving caregivers who assisted her with everything from sending cards to loved ones, to baking special cookies for the grandkids. Gwen is survived by her four children; Doug and wife JoAnn Anderson of Burlington, Don and wife Bobbie Anderson of Arnold, CA, Darcie and husband Fotis Tziolis of Athens, Greece and Dixie and husband Jim Hansen of Lubbock, TX; step-sons Keith and wife Patty Miller of Houston, TX and Kevin and wife Cathy Miller of Aurora, CO; fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Gary Andrews and wife Judy of Burlington, sister Karen Mitchell and husband Tom of Calhan, CO, brother-in-law Harry Thompson of Limon, Colorado, sister-in-law Kay Morgan of Golden, CO, sister-in-law Charlene James and husband Bill of Parker, CO and brother-in-law Dick Anderson and wife Jan of Burlington, sister-in-law Lola and husband Walt Cary of Springfield, MO, brother-in-law Paul and wife Mary Andreson of Oklahoma City, OK along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Thelma Andrews of Burlington and a sister Shirley Thompson of Limon, CO. Funeral services for Gwen were held on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 10:30 AM at the Burlington United Methodist Church in Burlington with Pastor Tom Peacock officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Visitation was held on Friday, April 10, 2009 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Love Funeral Home in Burlington. Memorials may be made in Gwen’s name to Caring Hands Hospice and may be left at the Bank of Burlington in Burlington, Colorado.