(1951-2026)

Gary Miller, age 74 years of Kanopolis Kan., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Gary was born on Nov. 5, 1951, in Kanopolis, Kan., to Stephen E. Miller Jr. and Ima E. Grise. He married the love of his life, Stella Ostrom, on May 25, 1968. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage. Through nearly six decades together, Gary and Stella built a beautiful life centered around family, companionship and countless memories. They were partners through all of life’s seasons, sharing the everyday moments as well as many adventures along the way.

Gary was a quiet man, but those who knew him knew just how deeply he loved his family; they meant everything to him. He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely, and treasured the time he was able to spend with them.

Gary was rarely one to sit still. He was always busy working on something and especially enjoyed spending time in his shop creating things out of metal. Whether he was making personalized metal signs, home decor or working on his latest project, Gary had a talent for turning his ideas into something special.

One of Gary’s most faithful companions was his beloved dog, Sheila. Gary loved Sheila dearly, and the two were nearly inseparable. They enjoyed their walks together, and wherever Gary was, Sheila was often close by.

Some of Gary’s happiest memories were made with Stella and their family. He loved spending time at the lake, surrounded by the people he loved most. Gary and Stella also treasured their years as snowbirds in Arizona. Together, they rode their side-by-side through the desert, participated in poker runs and made memories that became part of the story of their 58 years together. Whether they were off on an adventure or simply enjoying the life they had built side-byside, Stella was an important part of Gary’s world.

At home, Gary could often be found relaxing and watching one of his favorite Westerns.

Although Gary wasn’t always a man of many words, he didn’t have to be. He showed his love through the things he did, the time he gave, the things he created and the life he built with Stella and their family. After 58 years of marriage, the life Gary and Stella shared stands as a beautiful testament to a lifetime spent together.

His quiet presence, hardworking hands and deep love for his family will be greatly missed, but the life he and Stella created together will live on through their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all the memories they made along the way.

Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years, Stella Miller; children Teresa Kilgore ( Jason) and Sandra Miller; grandchildren Marcus Jaske (Brandi), Jessica Corbett (Kyle), Chris C. Stoppel Jr. and Chelsea Swenson (Levi); great-grandchildren Bryan Jaske (Kadie Bailey), Cole Jaske, Kamdin Corbett, Josie Corbett and Lincoln Swenson; brothers Johnny E. Miller (April), Kanopolis; and James E. Miller, Flint, Texas; sister Joann Bunch, Kanopolis, Kan.; and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Janice Miska and sisterin-law Kathleen Miller.

Graveside services will be held Sept. 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery, Ellsworth, Kan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kanopolis Fire Department, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Condolences can be left at parsonsfh.com.

Gary leaves behind a lifetime of memories, many things made by his own hands and a family who will continue to carry his love with them. He may have been quiet, but Gary loved his family big.