Michelle Marie (Rome) Miller, 64, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Hospice House of Reno County, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Michelle was born in Hays, Kansas, to James Richard Rome and Geraldine (Urban) Rome. She grew up surrounded by family and strong values that shaped her lifelong kindness, work ethic, and generosity toward others.

In 1980, she graduated from Buhler High School, where she built friendships and memories that stayed with her throughout her life.

On September 28, 1985, Michelle married Gary Eugene Miller of Little River, Kansas, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a celebration shared with family and friends. Together, they built a life centered on love, laughter, and family for 37 years until Gary’s untimely passing in November 2022. Michelle counted her children, Garrett and Gavin, and later her grandchildren, as her greatest blessings. Family and community were always at the heart of everything she did.

Michelle’s strong work ethic was evident from a young age. She began working early—first babysitting and then waitressing at local restaurants. By age 14, she had already purchased her first car and secured her own loan, reflecting her determination and strong independence. She earned her real estate license and briefly worked at Farm & Ranch Realty before beginning a long and dedicated 40 plus year career with Lowen Corporation. She built lasting friendships with coworkers and customers alike, and she especially cherished the opportunities to travel through her work.

Outside of work, Michelle had a creative and introspective spirit. She loved writing poetry, often composing heartfelt pieces in memory of loved ones who had passed. She also enjoyed trips to the casino, and just as much as she enjoyed winning, she loved sharing her good fortune with family and friends.

Michelle and Gary also enjoyed lake life, often taking the boys on family trips to Grand Lake, Oklahoma, and eventually purchasing a cabin at Kannapolis Lake. During these years, Michelle earned the nickname “Big Momma” from her nieces and nephews. The name stuck, and later her grandchildren affectionately called her “Grandma Big.”

Michelle was known for her generosity and quiet acts of kindness. She believed in paying it forward—whether that meant covering someone’s meal in a drive-through, offering help to someone in need of a ride or a warm meal, or making sure wait staff were well tipped and appreciated. Even during her hospital stay, she tried to offer a tip to the nurses as a simple expression of gratitude for their care.

Those who knew Michelle will remember her as a deeply kind, thoughtful, and giving person whose care for others was evident in both big and small ways.

She is survived by: her sons, Garrett James Miller and Gavin Michael Miller (Baylee Carey); her grandchildren, Brynlee, Quintyn, Scarlet, and Steely Ann; her beloved bulldog, Suzi, mother, Geri Rome; brother, Mitchell Rome (Laura); and sisters, Marla Parsons (Troy) and Melinda DeSplinter (Rick)and Brother-in-law, Larry Miller (Kay). She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Brooke Bryan (Brandon), Melissa Williamson (Tim), Mariana Parsons (Taylor), Jersey Rome, Olivia Rome, Emma Rome, Jayke Wedel (Alexis), and Luke Wedel (Ashley); along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her: husband, Gary Miller; father, James Rome; In-Laws, Don & Marilyn Miller; grandparents, Jerome and Helen Urban, Richard and Laurinda Rome; brother-in-law, Jay Wedel.

Visitation will be held June 25, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel with family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., June 26, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at Bean Cemetery, Little River.

Click here to watch Michelle's Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michelle’s memory may be made to Hospice House of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.