Michelle Kirsten Miller

Michelle Kirsten Miller, daughter of Mary Ellen Swindle and Paul C. Miller, was born September 11, 1967, at St. James Hospital in Butte, Montana. Her family soon settled in Helena, Montana, where she graduated from Helena High School with the Class of 1985.

Michelle went on to study Liberal Arts at the University of Montana in Missoula, developing a deep fondness for the French language. She later spent seven seasons working in the fishing industry of Sitka, Alaska, where locals affectionately remarked, "She looks like a librarian, but works like a farmer."

In 1989, Michelle met her life partner, Kris Johnson at The Rhinoceros Bar in Missoula, Montana. In 1993, they returned to her hometown of Butte, partnering to renovate several properties. An enterprising spirit, she established and operated a successful coffee and espresso kiosk, West Side Coffee, within St. James Hospital. Michelle and Kris were united in marriage in 1999 during an intimate lawn ceremony at their home in Butte.

The couple relocated to Peoria, Illinois, in 2001, where they welcomed their beloved children, Benjamin in 2001 and Hannah in 2004. Active in her community, Michelle was a dedicated member of the Peoria Unitarian Universalist Church, finding great fulfillment in teaching Sunday school, guiding young children in religious education, and founding the Meals on Wheels program for her church. She also belonged to the Entrée Nous social club, taking special delight in organizing charitable events and serving as club president in 2010.

In 2017, the family established roots in the Seguin, Texas area. There, Michelle channeled her passion for whimsical and artistic interior decor into Cottage Mavens, her very own curated home goods and resale shop in Seguin. She quickly became cherished by patrons for her artistic eye, eclectic wares, and warm, attentive care.

Michelle passed away Monday, October 12, at her home in Seguin at the age of 59. She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Kris W. Johnson, and her children, who were her absolute pride and joy: Benjamin W. Johnson and his partner, Annalisa Gonzales, and Hannah M. Johnson and her partner, Max Loeb. She is also survived by her brother, Paul David Miller of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Michelle will be remembered for her great sense of humor, fearlessness, devotion to her family, and the warmth and delight she brought to those around her.

Memorial Services honoring Michelle will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Goetz Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Memorial Contributions can be made to the New Braunfels Food Bank, 1620 S. Seguin Ave. New Braunfels, TX 78130, 830-327-6000, https://nbfoodbank.org/donate/