Obituary of Audrey L. Miller

Audrey Miller was born to Elmer and Myrtle Johnson on December 27th, 1932, in Salina, Ks. She grew up on the family farm north of Lindsborg, with her 2 brothers, Einar and Don, where they raised Herford cattle. Her optimistic and peppy spirit made her a friend to so many and a perfect cheerleader during her school years. Audrey was married to August Carlson on August 9, 1952, and they had four children- Mark, Jennifer, Calvin, and Wayne. Her farm and cattle background came in handy as they farmed and ranched and raised their family together over the next 31 years. Audrey loved being actively involved first in their Hereford and then their Simmental operations. She provided support to her family in all their activities and faithfully brought them to church. Later Audrey was married to Ted Bjorkman for 13 years and then to Ron Miller for 12 years. She was a faithful wife to each of her three husbands. She enjoyed their years together in health and cared for each husband through sickness until they passed. What an amazing example of love and service she was to us all. Mom, Grandma, Gigi enjoyed being with family more than anything and faithfully called or visited. She was the hub of family holidays and coffee parties and attended as many events as possible to support her family. Audrey loved putting worms on hooks so the grandkids could fish, hanging out with Jennifer and maybe shopping a bit, and watching K-State or Chiefs games with her sons. We are sure she was celebrating the Chief’s victory the evening before she passed away. Audrey enjoyed being hospitable and staying in contact with people. Her home was always open and the location of get-togethers of all types. Many remember coming to the birthday parties she threw for herself or visiting over a meal or coffee and treats together. Her address book was full of names, names of dear friends with whom she kept in touch. Audrey had a deep faith in her Lord and looked forward to stepping into heaven. She was a life-long member of the Salemsborg Lutheran Church and was actively involved in various groups like the church choir, LCW (Lutheran Church Women) and sewing club. She even attended Bible Study the week before she died. Audrey loved music of almost every kind, but especially religious music. She was often on the piano bench accompanying hymns at church functions. She loved hearing people sing while she played. She also sang in the Messiah and the church choir whenever possible. But Audrey also loved playing fun music from the past like she did until recently with the Fiddlers at Bethany Home. She played the piano with music or by ear and could play almost any song requested. Her involvement in community activities is too long to list but 4-H was at the top of the list. She was a motivating force behind her kids completing their 4-H projects and project notebooks! She was part of a community Pinochle club and Aquarobics at the YMCA for years. There were opportunities to travel with each of her three husbands including trips abroad and around the United States. She loved taking pictures, so her photo albums are full of pictures of these trips and the many people they visited. Audrey passed away on January 24, 2022, in the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Nita Kay, with Jennifer at her side. Family had been with her throughout her illness. She will be missed, but we carry dear memories of her love and faith in God in our minds and hearts as we go forward. Audrey is survived by her four children: Mark Carlson (Mary Ann- ex); Jennifer McConnell (Cam); Calvin Carlson (Shelly); and Wayne (Nita Kay); Brothers Einar Johnson (Kristin) and Don Johnson (Rebecca); 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Visitation is Thursday, January 27 from 5-7 pm at Crick-Christians Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Friday, January 28 at 10:30 at Salemsborg Lutheran Church. Memorials may be given to Salemsborg Lutheran Church or the Hospice of Salina. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.