Barbara Lynne Miller, had many talents

Barbara was born Feb. 6, 1945, in Wilmington, to Wilmer and Louise Apsley. The second of seven children, she attended Brandywine High School, where she was a cheerleader and swimmer; she then attended and graduated from the University of Delaware in 1967.  

Barbara married Linwood (“Woody”) Miller in August 1969; they were both stubborn enough to remain happily married for 54 years. Before marriage, Barbara worked as one of the first female training instructors for IBM. Later on, she earned a master’s degree, and then taught high school and college courses, including those for gifted and talented students. The latter is no surprise for those who knew her, as she too, was gifted.

Barbara had many talents. Those who know her can attest that she was accomplished in all her special interests, including painting, Scrabble, genealogy, cooking, entertaining, and the art of conversation. She was a tennis player in her 20s and 30s, and then an active golfer for many years, scoring three holes-in-one, two of which were nine days apart. This rankled her husband (with whom she was competitive) greatly. Barb was also a snow skier, traveler and avid reader.

Barbara had a very special way with children. She was able to connect with younger ones on an electric level, where she inspired their imagination and creativity, and then imbued them with a sense of possibility; they most often responded with sheer delight.

Since moving to Bonita Springs in 2017, Barbara was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, where she enjoyed the music, the fellowship, and the teachings of all the pastors.

Barbara is preceded in death by her daughter, Kristee Lee Miller of Deerfield Beach, Fla., and her loving dog, Sam. She is also predeceased by brothers, Michael Apsley of Wilmington, and Kurt Apsley of Rehoboth Beach; and sister, Kimberly Apsley Wingate of Rehoboth Beach.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Linwood “Woody” Miller of Bonita Springs; son, Jeffrey Miller of Parker, Colo.; stepson, Kyle Miller of Bowers Beach; stepdaughter, Kami Miller (Craig Lipaj) of North Port; brother, Steven (Henrietta) Apsley of Wilmington; sisters, Andee Apsley of Lady Lake, Fla., and Theresa Apsley Pintabonna (Richard Beaman) of Lebanon, Ore.; twin grandsons, Josh and Trent Miller of Parker; grandson, Tyler Miller of Washington, D.C.; granddaughters, Nicole Leper (Jesse Enlow) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Christine Vais (Jude) of Kent, Ohio; grandchildren, Jake and Allie Harris of Parker; great-grandchildren, Audrey Brlecic of Mentor, Ohio, and Oliver Vais of Kent. 

An informal remembrance will be held at a later date.

Barbara’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at the Gallery at North Port for their loving care, Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota County, and to countless family and friends who have sent prayers and messages, both uplifting and comforting, and warmly reminiscent of happy times.

In lieu of flowers, the family would lead those who feel moved to send an angel contribution in Barbara’s memory to Tidewell Hospice/Empath, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL, 34238, for the wonderful way they pour their souls into others in times of need. Alternately, they ask that family and friends perform a random act of kindness or a charity gift in memory of Barbara when and where they feel moved to do so.