Kathryn Elizabeth Miller

Mrs. Kathryn Elizabeth (Harding) Miller (Toots), age 85, of Frederick, died Thursday, January 12, 2017.

Born October 18, 1931, in Frederick, she was the daughter of the late Oliver Benjamin and Sally K. Harding, Sr.

Kathryn is survived by her 4 children, Rollie Atkinson and wife, Sarah, of California, Sally McMurry and husband, Louie, of Frederick, Vicki Knill, of Hagerstown, and Marty Miller and wife, Hope of Smithsburg. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, who lovingly call her “Mum”. They are, Molly Atkinson, Evan Atkinson and partner, Ashley Mogenhan, Will Atkinson, Chris McMurry and wife Sasha, Jeremy McMurry and wife Jeni, Benjamin McMurry and wife, Kristy, Stacey Crespo and husband, Brian, Abbey Austin , Aaron Knill, Shannon Loveless and husband Jason and Jesse Miller and fiancee, Sarah Barnheart. There are 15 great-grandchildren who have also been touched by her presence in their lives.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Rollins J. Atkinson, Jr.

Mom was the oldest of the 8 children in her family. She was predeceased by 4 brothers, Oliver (Sonny), Robert (Duckie), Kenny and Albert Harding. She is survived by Julia Hart and husband, Jim, Hazel LaCoste and Richard Harding and wife, Janis. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who were lucky to have witnessed her special personality and love for all of her extended family throughout her life.

Mom worked in the secretarial and sales fields through the years while raising her children. She retired from Jenkins’ Motors in 1995. In retirement, she found great joy in babysitting her youngest grandchild, Jesse. Later, she rediscovered her artistic talent by joining an art class at the Frederick Senior Center. She has completed many, many beautiful water color paintings (her medium of choice) that showcase her incredible ability. She loved tending to her large flower gardens, especially her roses. She always took care of the birds and squirrels that visited her yard. Mom was an enthusiastic fan of both the Orioles and the Redskins! Her loved ones know that she was a coffee and TV “addict”. Her other pleasures were Scrabble, crossword puzzles, and watching Bob Ross’ painting program. Mom didn’t travel often, but when she did she made it count! She traveled across the country twice by car with her sister, Hazel and her daughter, Vicki and was in total awe by what she saw…especially the Grand Canyon. She also flew to Alaska with Hazel and was amazed with the scenery and the wildlife. She always spoke of the desire to go to Ireland, but sadly, that wish never came true.

All funeral arrangements are to be private.

Mom has been very generous through the years to many, many charitable organizations, but she has chosen 3 of her favorites if you would like to make a memorial contribution: The Salvation Army, The Humane Society or Friends of Baker Park. Thank you.

Through the Friends of Baker Park organization, the family had a tree planted in honor of Mom’s 80 th birthday, near the covered bridge in Baker Park. She has loved visiting it and watching it grow during the past 5 years.

Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com