Judy Miller

Judith Ann (Raymond) Miller of Cozad, passed away April 26, 2023, at Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living at the age of 87. Judy was born January 27, 1936, in Cozad, to her parents: Robert and Margaret Raymond.

Judy spent her childhood on a farm, walking to her country schoolhouse, feeding the lambs her dad raised and sold. Her favorite subject in school was history and she graduated in 1954 from Cozad High School. Judy completed two years of college at UNL and was always wistful she wasn’t able to finish college. Her Dad called her home to help with the care of her mother, who was often ill.

Judy married Rich Miller in 1956. They welcomed three tow-headed little girls to their family: Anne, Sally, and Julie. Judy relished motherhood and creating a cozy love-filled home on E.13th Street. The family backyard and neighborhood provided countless joys of squealing children and families who remained lifelong treasures. Her hobbies included playing bridge in a few clubs, gardening, and especially sewing everything from Easter dresses for the girls to exquisite quilts. She was active in American Lutheran Church, P.E.O., Cozad Library Board and beloved Quilting Trips to New England, Nova Scotia and Chicago.

In 1986 their world was rocked by the tragic death of their youngest daughter, Julie. She and Rich healed their hearts by spending time with their grandchildren and by welcoming Patti Silva into their family as their exchange student daughter. Judy taught herself French hand sewing and created an assortment of confectionary-colored dresses for her granddaughters. She and Rich loved teaching their grandsons to play golf. In 1992, they purchased a winter home in St. George, Utah. There they met new treasured friends, golfed and enjoyed the break from the cold Nebraska winters.

Rich passed in 1997, and in 2010 Judy moved to Omaha. She loved city life: shopping, dining out with her family and friends! She adored babysitting for her great grandchildren and spending special dinners and myriad activities with Anne and her family. There she met her dear friends Andrew Rouillard, Brent Thomsen, and Zahraa Meirza. She also loved traveling out to Colorado to visit Sally at her mountain home.

What gave Judy more joy than anything was championing her grandchildren and greats.  Nick (Nickie) Konen, children: Charlie and Jude; Aaron (Ely)Konen, children: Oliver, Estella and Elias; Michaela Konen; Katie Knudsen, children: Gabrielle, Kyrie; John (Sara) Knudsen, children: Andi, Eva; Birgitte (Carl) Hays, children: Eli, Ida, Ian and Mary (Jules) Knudsen Dudoit, children: Pono, Malia, Tyson. She loved their spouses as her ‘other grands’.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rich; daughter, Julie; great-grandson, Kai and brother, Bob Raymond.

Judy is survived by her children, Anne Konen, of Omaha, Sally Knudsen of Denver, her son-in-love, Mogens Knudsen; seven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, her sister, Ellen Boroff, and many nieces and nephews and so many wonderful friends.

Her Celebration of Life will be held on June 4, 2023 beginning with a graveside ceremony at Cozad Cemetery at 1:00 pm, and a party at Mac’s Creek Winery from 2-4:00. If you can come, please know her family would love to see you. Memorial Gifts can be sent to Sally Knudsen, 480 S. Marion Pkwy 1505, Denver CO 80209. The proceeds will go to her beloved charity, Camp Carol Joy Holling in Ashland, NE. Berryman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.