Millie Neurath

Millie was born on January 27th, 1938, in Dallas, Texas. From a young age, Millie knew that she was a force of nature and made sure everyone knew that. At a young age, Millie’s mom died of tuberculosis which meant that her and her sisters were placed in an orphanage. The orphanage provided Millie with those qualities that would define her throughout her life. Structure, order, compassion. And a desire to bring out the best in herself and those around her.

I met Millie when I was 17 and Millie knew that I wasn’t as smart as I thought I was. My dad and Millie married which brought me into the fold. Millie brought out the best in my dad and enriched his life through travel and culinary adventures that they both enjoyed. It seemed that I was her next project, and Millie did her best to mold me into a fine young man by imposing structure, order, and compassion swirled around by her force. It took me a good 30 years to finely come around!

Millie loved nature. She loved hiking and the picnic afterwards. She loved her Shih Tzus and Pekingese dogs. Flowers were always present in the home. She loved taking walks to smell the flowers, watch the butterflies and squirrels.

Millie used her gifts in business and in her career. She excelled in the building hardware industry which in the 70s and 80s was a male dominated field. She worked her way up to outside sales, the first woman to do so. She excelled and earned several prestigious awards.

Millie was a great friend to all that she met. She was always up for an adventure, a hike followed by a picnic was a favorite. In the colder months she enjoyed a day at the museums where she read everything about all the displays and collections. She provided insight into what she saw and read afterwards over wine.

Millie is survived by her son Roger Kleier of NYC and stepson Bob Neurath (wife Sue Neurath) of Tucker, GA and many friends who she touched with her friendliness. Millie will be missed greatly. She touched many lives and brought out the best in all she met.