Tamara Jean Miller

Tamara Jean "Tammy" (Pape) Miller, of Groesbeck, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the age of 73.

Funeral services will be held at Groesbeck Funeral Home on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. and the funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel. Tammy will be buried at a later date in Dresden Cemetery in Dresden, Ohio, where her parents and other extended family members are laid to rest.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Garcia, Dominic Rosales II, Brandon Lee, Fenix Garcia, Elijah Johnson, Lil' Brandon Lee, and Waylon Lee.

Tammy was born on August 1, 1952, in Dresden, Ohio. Her birth father was Vernon Prouty, and she was lovingly raised by her mother and father, Shirley (Davis) and Perry C. Pape. She graduated from Dresden High School in 1970.

In 1975, Tammy was united in marriage with Russell "Red" Miller, and together they welcomed two daughters, Natalie and Brook. In 1984, the family moved to Mexia, Texas, and later settled in Groesbeck.

A lifelong believer in education and service, Tammy earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University in Waco in 1993. She dedicated her professional life to helping others through her work in mental health care, first with MHMR and later with the State of Texas at Mexia State School, where she remained until her retirement.

Above all else, Tammy's greatest joy and purpose in life was her family. She was a devoted and loving mother who would do anything for her children. She was a wonderful sister, a proud grandmother, and an adoring great-grandmother. Her greatest desire was to be an active part of the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Tammy was also a loyal and cherished friend whose fun-loving spirit brightened every room she entered. She loved music and rarely missed an opportunity to dance, sing karaoke, and enjoy time with family and friends. Her laughter, warmth, and sense of humor brought joy to countless people throughout her life. Those who knew Tammy will remember her not only for her kindness and generosity but also for the happiness and energy she shared so freely with others.

Tammy was preceded in death by her mother and father, Shirley and Perry Pape; her birth father, Vernon Prouty; and her former husband, Russell "Red" Miller.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Natalie Miller and B.C. Lee of Axtell; her daughter, Brook Miller of Mexia; grandchildren Tyler and Taylor Garcia of Axtell, and Dominic Rosales II and Hanna of Longview; and extended grandchildren and spouses whom she embraced as her own: Brandon and Megan Lee of Axtell, Miranda and Richard Landrum of Waco, and Elizabeth Lee of Waco.

Her cherished great-grandchildren are Fenix Garcia, Isabella Oxford, Ava Ray, Elijah Johnson, Brandon Lee, Hazel Lee, Waylon Lee, Za'riyah Landrum, Qil'ari Landrum, and Nylah Landrum.

Tammy is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark and Jodie Pape and Jeff and Tammy Pape, both of Dresden, Ohio; her sister, Vicki Pape of Florida; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Tammy's kindness, strength, laughter, and deep love for her family will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Her memory will be treasured forever, and her legacy will live on through the family and friends she loved so dearly.