Mary Jane Miller

Mary Jane Miller, " MJ", unexpectedly passed away on January 11, 2025, after a tragic car wreck.  Born in Onaga, Kansas on December 2, 2002,  MJ was a beacon of love and laughter, captivating the hearts of many throughout her short yet impactful life.

MJ's journey began in St. Marys, where she homeschooled her whole childhood, graduating from Kolbe Academy Home School in May, 2021. In the same year, she also graduated from Washburn Tech School of Cosmetology. During this time, MJ played numerous seasons of softball with many cousins and friends. In her high school years, she maintained her first job at the St. Marys Pharmacy and then worked at our local grocery store, Ray's Apple Market.  After graduating high school,  Mary Jane attended one year at Wichita State University where she was a Coxen for the Shocker Rowing team. When she returned to St. Marys, MJ embraced a myriad of roles at Custom Wood Products, leaving a lasting mark on everyone she met with her charming personality that was nothing short of spunky and sassy. She was a hard worker, fiercely independent, and her bluntness often led to laughter shared among friends and family alike, and could very possibly raise an eyebrow or two.

Her love for the arts was boundless. Although she was a wonderful student, it was in music, dance, and photography where MJ truly flourished.  Having taken violin for many years, Mary Jane reveled in her performances with the Topeka Symphony Youth Orchestra. Hearing Mary Jane play her violin was simply magical. MJ also had a passion for dancing and enjoyed being a member of Adriel Moats' ballet studio in St. Marys for many years. Her graceful and beautiful dancing would light up any room. Mary Jane had the most beautiful voice. She shared this talent with her Faith that she cherished dearly by participating in the Most Pure Heart of Mary Schola Cantorum in Topeka for several years, and one year in the Mary's Choir at Immaculate Conception Church. And finally, MJ loved photography. With the camera gifted by her grandfather, Naps, she took so many beautiful pictures for family and friends to capture special events in their lives. These will be forever cherished.

MJ had a special gift for fostering connections. Her hugs were legendary, enveloping those fortunate enough to receive them in warmth that could only be described as soul-healing. Her mom would cherish these hugs and never let her leave home without receiving one.  And her greatest hug, her "bear Hug,"  was one that she reserved for her father, Reid, and one that he will hold dear to his heart forever. 

M.J. was an Epileptic Warrior. Although she faced many curveballs in life from this condition, she continued to live her fight song and keep striving to attain her goals despite setbacks.....travel, exploring, long walks and silly talks with beloved cousins and friends, working hard at any job she had, and simply living life to the fullest. And in the final two years of her short life, M.J. lived her best life..... sharing a friendship, then dating, and finally marrying her most endearing and true friend, Garrett, on June 21, 2024. Together, MJ and Garrett created moments of joy and laughter that will forever echo in the lives of all who they touched. Their love is one that was super special and both the Miller and Downey families have loved every moment of watching their love grow. 

Family was the essence of MJ's being. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Garrett, her loving parents Reid and Angie Downey, brothers Sean, John Paul, Ethan, Fulton, Ambrose, and Elijah, her cherished sisters Morgan, Zelie, Gianna, and Ava Mae, and her grandparents Russ and Karen Varnado, and Mark and Brenda Downey, all her love her very dearly.  MJ is also mourned by a very large extended family of not only Downeys/ Varnados but of the entire Miller family and a whole community of friends as well. She is preceded in death by her younger brother, Ian Joseph Downey, who held a special place in her heart.  

Her vibrant personality will remain enshrined in the hearts of those who knew her.  M.J. will be truly missed by every single person who has been incredibly blessed to know such a beautiful, spunky, goofy, compassionate and kind soul. But the sweet memories created with MJ will forever live on in all of our hearts. The laughter she shared, along with the funniest pictures and videos she was always taking, showcased a life filled with happiness and cherished memories with an immense amount of people. She was truly an incredible blessing to this world.  MJ, our beautiful girl, we all LOVE YOU BIG!

A visitation will be held in MJ's honor on January 15, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Piper Funeral Home, St. Marys, Kansas. This will be followed by a Rosary at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial to celebrate her life will take place on January 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the same church, with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.