Katherine Miller, BGS Secretary
OBITUARY – MARCH 25, 1937 – AUGUST 12, 2023
On Saturday, August 12, 2023, Katherine “Kay” Ann Miller passed away at the age of 86. She was born on March 25, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri to Lydia Cavanaugh and William Rutherford Springer. She spent her childhood in Middletown, Ohio, and graduated from Middletown High School in 1955. In 1959, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Bacteriology.
After graduation, Kay worked at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati as a research assistant for a doctor conducting cancer research. She met her husband, Kent, while they were both working there in 1962. While Kent served in the Army in Thailand, Kay worked at the Veteran’s Hospital in Cincinnati as a research assistant for a doctor conducting research in Endocrinology. Kent posted to Natick, Massachusetts after returning to the States where Kay soon joined him. An Army Chaplain married them there in 1964. Kay worked in a U.S. Army lab in Natick, maintaining mold and fungi collections found in jet fuel.
The couple moved to Evansville, Indiana in 1965. Kay worked at the University of Evansville as a laboratory assistant for the Professor of Microbiology until the birth of her daughter, Sarah, in 1973. In 1979, the family moved to Broomfield, Colorado.
Kay’s enjoyment of the outdoors developed during the summers she spent at Minne Wonka Lodge in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. Her adventures there began as a camper and later she worked as a counselor, teaching canoeing. Her love of the outdoors was also fed during time spent in Eldora, Colorado at the family cabins. Possessing an independent nature and an adventurous spirit, Kay took pack horse trips in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. After she and Kent were married, they enjoyed backpacking and camping. As a family, they traveled to Europe and around the United States. Kay and Kent were avid cruisers in later years, traveling to Russia, Scandinavia, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Panama Canal.
Kay enjoyed volunteering. She was active with the League of Women Voters; volunteered for more than 10 years at the Colorado History Museum; and most recently served as Secretary for the Broomfield Genealogy Society.
Kay fostered a love of horses her entire life. She had a passion for riding that she passed down to her daughter and grandchildren. When she could no longer ride, she was proud to watch the grandchildren progress in their skills. She enjoyed attending lessons and shows and being around the horses and riders.
Kay’s parents, William and Lydia Springer; and husband, Kent preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter Sarah Price (Denis); grandchildren, Lydia and William; and brother, William Springer (Tracey).
