Ralph Miller

Ralph James Miller, 69, of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at his home in Higginsville. Ralph was born on Saturday, March 12, 1955 in Lexington, Missouri, to the late Elmer and Virgie (Jordan) Miller. Ralph grew up in Lexington and then later moved to Higginsville where he graduated from Lafayette Co. C-1 in 1973. Ralph met Elke Goodin in the mid 1990's and they have been together ever since. Ralph has an extensive work history and is the pure definition of "Jack of all trades". He climbed towers for cable companies, did maintenance work for Win Cup in Higginsville, was a meat cutter for a while, worked for Gilbert Wegener as a farm laborer and then had a long fruitful career with Tracy & Wegener Excavating. It didn't matter if he was running cattle, planting trees, operating an excavator, shingling roofs, or mechanical work for all the equipment, Ralph always seemed to know how to do everything. Tracy & Wegener always had a wild crew of men working and Ralph was infamous for giving all the guys their nicknames over the years. Ralph was never the type of man to sit for too long, even on his days off he was still working and changing oil in all the equipment. He just loved to stay busy. When he wasn't working 7 days a week, he loved to fish, being outdoors, and loved working in his yard and garden. Fishing was his number one pastime and he loved to be at the edge of the water casting a fishing line. He taught many of the grandchildren how to fish and enjoyed mentoring to them. Family was always first with Ralph. He made it to all the kid's and grandchildren's events no matter what he was doing. Ralph was a long time and active member of the Higginsville Masonic Lodge #364. Ralphie always made a jobsite a little more enjoyable and was always willing to take the time to teach someone how to do something they didn't know how to do. He was one of a kind and will definitely be missed by family, friends, and crewmates. His absence will be felt by all. Surviving are significant other, Elke Goodin of the home; daughters; Mindy Terrell (David Aycock) of Lexington, Gabriele (Scott) Teem of Saint Joseph, MO, Daniela (Chris) Dwinells of Higginsville, Tina (Darin) Quick of Odessa, MO; one son, Chris Goodin of Higginsville; brother, Michael Miller of Higginsville, two sisters both of Higginsville, Martha Williams and Pat McCoy; sister-in-law, Robin Miller of Higginsville; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Bernard Miller. A Masonic service will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. A private celebration of life and burial will occur at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made out to the family.

Ralph Miller

March 12, 1955 - March 20, 2024