Kenneth Miller

Kenneth Dean Miller, 78, of Westpoint, passed away December 26, 2025. Born to Dale W. and Dorothy M. (Trapp) Miller on April 27, 1947, he was a lifelong resident of Tippecanoe County. Kenny was a proud 1966 graduate of Lafayette Jeff High School, where he was active in vocal music. He married the former Patty S. Ryhmer on October 22, 1966. She preceded him in death on November 15, 2008. Kenny married Joy (Yost) Wang on November 10, 2012, and she survives.
Kenny began his career at Eli Lilly Tippecanoe Labs in 1970, where he spent 37 years working in Fermentation as an operator, process tech, and supervisor before retiring in 2007. During his time at Lilly, he participated in the softball and bowling leagues and was active with the Clothe-a-Child program. Outside of work, Kenny spent time giving back to the community as youth baseball and soccer coach, as well as a band dad for the Lafayette Jefferson Marching Bronchos. His love of youth and family allowed him and Patty to open their home and lives to many young people over the years, giving them a place to land and a sense of family that continues to this day. He also served as President of the Board of directors of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Lafayette. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie #347 in Lafayette. As a proud veteran of the Indiana National Guard, Kenny was also a member of American Legion Post 11.
He was a die-hard Broncho fan, holding both basketball and football season tickets for many years, and was known to travel all over the state to watch the Bronchos play. Kenny was a season ticket holder for Purdue Boilermaker Football; a program he also supported was a passion! He enjoyed attending games with family and connecting with friends within the confines of Ross Ade Stadium. He and Joy enjoyed taking trips, going to concerts and shows, and meeting family and friends for dinner. His favorite pastime was running all over to watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren dance, cheer, do gymnastics, run, play football, soccer, softball, and whatever other endeavors they tried. He was always their biggest fan!
Along with his wife, Joy, Kenny is survived by his children and their spouses Tammi and David Smith, Jason and Leah Miller, and Mike and Mandy Wang. He is also survived by his grandchildren Andrew, Alex (Samantha), Austin (Megan), and Adrienne (Ed Christy) Bonty; Kirk (Mindy) Smith; Kristen (Chad) Showalter; Trent, Ty, Trevor (Cora Kopka) and Brinley Miller; Kate (Jasmine Rose) and Jaydence Brown; and Faith, Summer, and Evann Holmes. His great-grandchildren, whom he loved beyond measure include Tristan, Kiley, Ellie, Maverick, Clark, Makenna, Huntleigh, Amelia, Eloise, and Maggie. He is also survived by his brother William "Bill" (Kay) Miller, as well as aunts Mary Kay Franklin and Janie Leill, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws who will miss him greatly.
In addition to his wife, Patty, and his parents Dale and Dorothy, Kenny was preceded in death by numerous members of his extended family that is very close and supportive.
Visitation will be held at Hippensteel Funeral Home on Saturday, January 3rd from 12-3 p.m., followed by Military Funeral Honors at 3, and then a Funeral Service.
The family has requested that visitors wear their favorite Purdue attire, if they so choose, to honor Kenny's love of the Boilermakers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kenny's honor to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at IU Health, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice.