Barbara Miller

Barbara Miller, 83, of Cheyenne, passed away Nov. 14 at Davis Hospice Center.
She was born April 14, 1935, in Roswell, N.M. to Ernest and Ruth (Tangye) Duenkel.
Barbara married Bruce Miller on May 29, 1960 in Roswell, N.M.
Barbara was a gifted musician and dedicated educator, engaging students and peers with her outgoing personality. She attended the University of New Mexico where she was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota and Mortar Board. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Music Education, she immediately began teaching music at North Junior High School in Roswell, N.M. Barbara met Bruce in the choir at First United Methodist Church in Roswell, where she served as organist. After marrying Bruce, starting a family, and following moves to Grand Forks, N.D. and Cheyenne, Barbara resumed her music educator career in the Laramie County School District where she taught at Pioneer Park, Churchill, Hobbs, and Buffalo Ridge elementary schools. Concurrent with her final teaching position at Alta Vista elementary school, Barbara received her Master’s of Arts in Music and Special Education from the University of Wyoming. One of her most rewarding achievements was acquiring and teaching handbells to special needs students. The handbell choir gave concerts outside the school including a performance they were invited to give at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Wyoming State Capitol. Barbara continued to work with those students after they left Alta Vista for Carey Junior High School and East High School. Barbara was a member of the Music Education National Conference and Wyoming Education Association. Barbara also was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Cheyenne where she sang in the choir, accompanied soloists and the choir on the organ and piano, and served as the choir director. In retirement, Barbara and Bruce enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and traveling the Nation in their motorhome.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Bruce Miller of Cheyenne; three children, Kirk (Cheryl) Miller of Cheyenne, Keith (Dana Smith) Miller of Denver, and Jeanne (Mike) Ehlebracht of Casper; six grandchildren, Dustin Worthington, Cody Worthington, Elliott Miller, Claudia Miller, Noah Miller, and Katherine Miller.
She was preceded in death by her infant son, Scott Miller; and her parents.
A memorial service with reception to follow will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 15th at First United Methodist Church, 108 E. 18th Street, Cheyenne.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara can be made to Cheyenne Regional Cancer Center or a music program of the donor’s choice.