Monika Annemarie Miller

August 26, 1943 - December 18, 2016

Monika Annemarie Miller, age 73, longtime resident of Laurie, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2016, at her home. She was born August 26, 1943, in Brobek-Karf, Germany, the daughter of the late Theodor and Henrietta (Kowalczik) Scholthaus. She was united in marriage on August 14, 1968, to Oda Howard Miller, who preceded her in death on September 16, 1983. Monika was a devoted wife and mother, and did her best to take care of those she loved, though it wasn’t always easy. In the early days of her marriage, life as a military spouse meant moving from place to place, sometimes weeks apart from Howard, and oftentimes feeling like a single mother. However, Monika was never afraid of hard work. She was stubborn, knew how to stretch pennies, and kept the house running smoothly. Years later, when Howard was diagnosed with and later died of cancer, Monika continued to do her best to take care of those she loved, staying by his side until his death, then picking up the pieces and carrying on afterward. She would probably tell you that marrying Howard was the best thing she ever did because, not only did she marry the love of her life, she became the mother of his three children, Christa, David, and Steve, then a few years later adding their daughter Michelle to make it a family of six – not quite the Brady Bunch, but something pretty close to it. She loved her children and was very proud of them. Marrying Howard is also what eventually brought her to the Lake of the Ozarks, specifically Laurie, Missouri. Monika loved the lake area and the people who lived there. Everyone in Laurie knew the tall, lovely lady with the thick German accent. From her years working at the Laurie Market to her time as a volunteer at the Ozark Kat and K9 Thrift Shop, and all the places in between, she was a well-known and well-loved person in the town she called home. She loved her friends and enjoyed spending time with them, whether it was having a beer at Chances R, a morning chat on the phone, or a quick shopping trip to Osage Beach. Monika was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Sunrise Beach and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. She volunteered with the Christmas Angels and Ozarks Kat and K9 Thrift Shop (formerly known as S.T.A.F.F) in Sunrise Beach for many years. Her favorite hobbies included flower gardening, feeding the deer and birds at her home, and enjoying the company of her beloved dog, Heidi. She is survived by her children, Michelle Gerlt and husband J.T. of Versailles, Missouri; Christa Bonds and husband Mark of China Spring, Texas; David Miller of Shreveport, Louisiana; and Steve Miller and wife Sheila of Wooldridge, Missouri; five grandchildren Amber Hawkins and husband Jeremy, Wendi Abed-Rabboh and husband David, Brett Gerlt and wife Hannah, Lindsey Miller, and Matt Bruce; two great-grandchildren, Gavin Hawkins and Landrie Hawkins; and many friends. A celebration of Monika’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 22nd, at the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel with Pastor Lora Cunningham officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. Graveside services and inurnment will follow in Garber Memorial Estates. Memorial contributions are suggested to Ozarks Kat and K9 Shelter and Thrift Shop or to Disabled American Veterans. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.