Kitty Sue Miller

Kitty Sue Miller, 97, of Moberly, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021. She was born August 26, 1923, in Ethel, MO, to the late Paul J. and Zelma Rose (Mitchell) Williams.

She married Rex L. Miller July 27, 1947, in Shelbyville, MO, and he preceded her in death November 11, 2014.

She is survived by her daughter Jeri Ann Mattson and her husband Randy of Fayette, MO, two granddaughters, and a grandson.

Kitty was a hard worker all her life and was always happiest when she kept busy. She never hesitated in turning her hand to a task, and her crochet “busywork” is prized by all who have it.

As with most of her generation, Pearl Harbor radically changed the course of her life. She left Kirksville State Teacher’s College to become one of the Santa Fe railroad’s first female telegraph operators west of the Mississippi. She met and married fellow operator Rex (with whom she shared a birthday) at the end of the war. Following their relocation from Hardin, MO, to Harrisonville, MO, Kitty worked for what became United Telecom both before becoming a mother and then for 18 years after, retiring in 1983. Her first love always remained the railroad, however, and she delighted in reminiscing about her days as a railroader.

Kitty never lost her love for her little hill town of Ethel and the sound of trains. She also loved music, dancing, and caring for her family. She always had a cup of coffee and a meal ready for all crossing her doorstep, and her signature delightful laugh was beloved by all.

A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date.