Carolyn Louise Miller, 85, of Sedalia, joined the choir of heavenly angels on Friday, August 28, 2026, after a brief stay at Primrose Retirement Community in Sedalia, Mo. She was born on September 22,1940 in Carthage, Mo the daughter of Robert Edward Horton and Louise Annette (Wheeler) Horton, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her infant brother, Robert Willis.

She was united in marriage with Thomas J. Miller, on March 2, 1962, at the First United Methodist Church in Sedalia. He preceded her in death on March 19, 2019.

Carolyn was a 1958 Graduate of Lamar High School in Lamar, MO. She attended Radiology school in Springfield, MO and moved to Sedalia to take a position in the radiology department of Bothwell Regional Hospital where she met her husband Tom and from where she would eventually retire.

Tom and Carolyn began their life together in Georgetown, MO. Her love of horses began when Tom surprised her with Soxie, a 9-month-old horse, for their first anniversary. They moved to their forever home, a farm in Greenridge, MO in 1974. This property was the site for many extended family gatherings, and afforded Carolyn the opportunity to pursue her love for animals. She raised several litters of puppies, most notably, German Shepherds. In her later years, Carolyn developed a love for cats, and opened her home to several stray kittens, who became like family to her.

Carolyn enjoyed life to the fullest. She always arrived dressed for the occasion and was the life of the party wherever she went. She loved to be around people and continually sought opportunities to give back. She was an active member of the Osage Daughters of American Revolution, La Cabane Locale, The Trails End committee, the American Legion Auxiliary, The Red Hat Society, The First United Methodist Church of Sedalia, and Calvary Baptist Church of Sedalia.

Beyond her love for Christ, time with her family brought Carolyn great joy. She seized every opportunity to gather with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was also adored by a host of nieces and nephews and friends of her children, all of whom considered the farm their second home.

Carolyn is survived by two children, Denise L. Swearingin (Van) of Sedalia, MO and Joseph R. Miller (Tammy) of Ashland, MO; five grandchildren Lauren Kile (Kody), Logan Wheeler (Kelby), Addison Miller, Kaitlyn Swearingin and Ryan Swearingin; four great grandchildren, Sutton, Crawford, Scout and Wilder, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, 916 Thompson Blvd., Sedalia, MO with Pastor Candace Fowler officiating. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at La Monte Cemetery, La Monte, MO.

Pallbearers will be nephews, Roger Miller, Kent Miller, John Miller, Joe Reser and Randy Scotten and grandchildren, Ryan Swearingin, Kody Kile, Kelby Wheeler, and Crawford Kile.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Primrose Retirement Community for the excellent care that Carolyn received in her final days.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sedalia Animal Shelter or the First United Methodist Church of Sedalia.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.