Russell Miller

Russell Eugene “Russ” Miller died at his home in Wellington on January 13, 2025, at the age of 80.  Born in Wichita,  on January 14, 1944, Russell joined the United States Air Force after high school and was stationed in Alaska during Vietnam. Following his service, Russ began the first of two careers when he went to work for TWA in baggage handling and eventually became head of ramp service. This took him from Wichita to San Francisco, on to Philadelphia, and then back to Kansas, where he finally settled in Wellington, Kansas. Looking for a new challenge, he and his brother-in-law purchased the Tin Shop and successfully operated it for 35 years. Once retired, to keep busy, Russ then went to work behind the bar at the American Legion.

Russ was known for being his own unique self, a guy of many layers.  He could come off as the quiet guy in the room but then would surprise you with his quick wit and commentary. He could be outspoken, yet possessed a compassion for other people’s struggles and differences. He was a busy bee with pride, be it meticulous vacuuming on a grid, detailing his classic cars, cooking his infamous Russell burgers,  grilling steaks to medium-rare perfection, or master crafting Irish Coffees, which became a Sunday morning and holiday tradition. He truly enjoyed the fruits of his labor, sharing it all with family and friends…..Coors Light in hand and a humble smile inside.

Russ could be seen as a man of few words, but to those who knew him, there was an unspoken understanding of his love and loyalty. And then there was the obvious, his wife Rose, who was always seen as the apple of his eye. Their love story, which began on the 18th of May, 1979, was one that will endure for years to come.

Russell leaves behind his beloved wife, Rose Miller of Wellington, KS; son, John Brand and wife Amy of Wellington, KS; daughter, Lisa Brand of San Rafael, CA; daughter, Mandi Hursh and husband Ryan of El Dorado, KS; brother-in-law, Elza Alexander of Wellington, Kansas; grandchildren, Skylar Brand, Kayma Gilmore and husband Wesley, Olivia Brand, Ronin Zaim, Ruby Zaim, Clementine Zaim, Maxx Hursh, and Grace Hursh; 2 great-grandchildren, Asher and Beverly Gilmore; and a special niece, Julie Ackerson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carson and Jean Marietta (Ball) Miller; sister, Marjorie Alexander, and a grandson, Jesse Brand.

As a devout member of St. Anthony St. Rose Catholic Church, his faith was a guiding force in his life. In honor of this, a Rosary will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, January 16, 2025 at St Anthony & St Rose Catholic Church, 210 North B Street, Wellington, KS.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m., Friday morning, January 17, 2025, at the same location. Interment with military honors will follow at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, KS.

Memorial contributions can be given in his name and memory to the American Legion Tom Schwinn Post No. 90, 124 West Lincoln Avenue, Wellington, KS 67152. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory, leave condolences or sign his digital tribute wall, please visit www.cornejofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.