Laura Beth Miller

We have lost our beloved partner, mom, sister, cousin, and aunt. Laura Beth (Jeans) Miller died unexpectedly in the early hours of April 9,2022. She had been battling declining health on many fronts for the last decade.

Even though, due to her physical challenges, she was unable to attend many family functions over the last few years, Aunt Laura never ceased to let her nephews and nieces know of her love and care for them. She was an eternal optimist, through and through. Laura always looked for the positives in any situation. Many a family member has benefitted from her unerring discernment, practical advice, and a good old "Laura Pep Talk." She had a severe soft spot for animals, and was an indulgent fur mom to an assortment of cats and dogs.

Laura consistently sought to bring a glimpse of beauty into her life. In the avalanche of housekeeping chores that she simply did not have the strength to keep up with, there was always a corner with some artfully placed decorative items that would fall into your line of sight, polished and dusted, pleasing to look at. Many family members, especially the children, were the beneficiaries of interesting and well-picked clothing and toys.

She had a full-throated and infectious laugh, and was not above laughing at herself when something absurd happened to her. It was easy to sit down for a conversation that ranged over a wide variety of topics and lasted effortlessly for a couple of hours. Laura knew more about politics than most, a true political junkie. Anyone who offered a political opinion would be treated to a barrage of (always very accurate) facts and happenings. And solutions, of course.

She had a razor-sharp mind and knew how to use it- nobody snuck anything past Laura! Laura sought nothing other than the very best for her son Chad and her partner Chuck. She was a tireless nurturer, a fierce protector, and gave all her energy toward making sure they were well taken care of. We have all been well-loved, and will miss her love and light.

The youngest of three daughters born to Bruce and Mary Jane Jeans in Kansas City, Missouri, Laura spent most of her childhood in Kalamazoo, graduating from Loy Norrix High School in 1983. She spent the greatest portion of her career as a medical transcriptionist for the West Michigan Cancer Center.

She is survived by her partner of over 30 years, Chuck Deneau; her son Chad Miller; stepchildren Chris and Arianna; sisters Ann Cirvencic and Greta Sullivan; cousin Heather Moore; nephews Timo, Stephen and Chris, and nieces Sarah and Rachel. She leaves behind many grandnieces and grandnephews.

She is preceded in death by her father Bruce L. Jeans, her stepfather Charles Sullivan, and her mother MJ Sullivan.