Michael Miller

MICHAEL MILLER (APRIL 1, 1970 -- OCTOBER 15, 2025)

Michael “Mike” Gale Miller of Newton, Kansas, left the world on October 15, 2025, the same way he lived – on his own terms – happy, sober, deeply loved, and probably humming “Shout at the Devil” on his way through the pearly gates. He was 55, and lived every single one of those years loud and proud.

Mike was a lot of things: funny, brutally honest, generous to a fault, and always eager to help others in need. He’d give you the shirt off his back (then probably tell you you’re wearing it wrong). He told it like it was with a shining smile that could disarm and dare you. His moral compass was steady: he was real, raw, and relentlessly kind.

Life threw Mike some hellish curveballs, but his resilience and tenacity delivered him on the other side clean, faithful, and full of love. He found sobriety, peace, family, and forgiveness, and left this world with a full heart, a ridiculous grin, and loads of people who will never stop missing him.

Mike was a metalhead poet, doting grandfather, coffee-lover, and a man who could fix both any car and a broken heart with the same stubborn determination. His life’s soundtrack included heavy-beat drumlines, the laughter of his grandkids, and funny Facebook videos, which he loved sharing with everyone. His hobbies included working on cars, binging his favorite shows, and consuming unholy amounts of hot sauce, vanilla ice cream, and peach-flavored yogurt (though not all at the same time).

He loved hard – his kids, grandkids, his extended family, and his dog, Kino. He made up for lost time like a man on a mission, and that mission was accomplished.

Mike is survived by a loving mob of family who adored him: his sisters, Diane (TJ Herl), Connie (Francis Johnson), and Janet; his children, Billy Yorks (Elizabeth – kids William, Aiden, Savana), Michelle (Corbin Holder – kids Kymberlyn, Zoey, Elijah Mills), Michael Fahrney (kids Declan, Aidan), Melisha (Tanner Oakleaf-Wilson – kids Willow, Austen, Gideon, Hollyn, Rivian), Mikey Folkenroth (kids Malachi Cooley + Valkyrie Folkenroth), and step-daughter, Destiny Moore (Noah and Graysen). That’s 17 grandchildren in total.

He also leaves behind his partner in crime, Susie Pino; cousins, who were more like siblings – Janice Lawrence (Doug), Amelia Montano (Mike Stotts), Johnny Montano, and Eddie Montano (Christine); and his beloved Aunt Juanita Grim.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Warren Gale Miller (Linda Darnell Hartsfield); his first love, Martha (Adams) Rabus; and his cousin, Jerry Montano.

Mike’s journey wasn’t always easy, but it was real and redemptive. He loved fiercely and left this world with his soul light, and his heart full.

While we’re deeply hurting and missing the man who made a permanent imprint on all our hearts, we take comfort in knowing he is at rest with his God, and absolutely giving Heaven some hell. We love you, daddy. We love you, brother. We love you, cuz. Be good.