Rita R. Miller

Rita was born in a house on Talmadge Ranch, North Dakota on May 29, 1938. There was no way to weigh her, but she fit in a small shoebox. Her parents were Joseph E. Burgard and Kathryn E. Burgard. Her siblings soon followed: Victor Burgard, Sheila Thomas, Joseph Burgard, Jr and William Burgard.

Rita attended and graduated from Saint Leo's Catholic Elementary and High School, Minot, North Dakota.

Soon after, she met and married Alan L. Johnson on October 7, 1958. Their children were Carlotta (nee Johnson) Lauder and Kirk A. Johnson. Alan died in a farming accident on October 11, 1961. Rita decided to attend St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, Dickinson, ND and graduated in 1964 as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She began her nursing career in Minot.

Rita met and married John Lynn Miller on March 30, 1968. Together as a family, they moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1969. Their children were John J. Miller and Richard P. Miller. John L. Miller died of medical issues on October 11, 2004.

Rita's career continued in Colorado. She worked at various medical facilities including Fitzsimons Medical Center, Veteran Nursing Care Facility, and many other Denver area hospitals. She retired from active civil service after 20 years. Rita then became a community college instructor for Certified Nursing Assistants at Aurora Community College.

Rita adopted Kirk Johnson's and Joan Gwinn's daughter, Stella J. Johnson-Miller. She raised her and continued emotional support to Stella throughout her life.

Rita's grandson, Luke Lauder cared for and lived with her for the past five years. They mutually supported one another and enjoyed life together.
Rita has in-law children: Bob Lauder, Amy Miller, and Jennifer Miller, and many other heart-adopted children. Her grandchildren are Jessica Higgins, Andrea Arnold, Luke Lauder, Brittany Miller, Thomas Miller, Caleb Miller, Holly Miller, and Daisy Augustine, Monika Fulton, and Stella J. Johnson-Miller. Rita's great grandchildren are Amara Hill and Alessia Hill, Huxton Arnold, and Beauford Arnold, Kirk Fulton, and Kimmi Fulton.

Rita died peacefully in her sleep on March 27, 2023 at home in Aurora, Colorado with her family. Throughout the week prior to her passing, many family, friends, neighbors, and clergy lovingly visited her.

Rita was a woman of faith, abundant love, determination, generosity, and hospitality.

She will continue to love all from heaven.

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