Michele Miller Ray

Michele Miller Ray, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and loyal friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 30, 2026 in Austin, Texas, after a long battle with cancer. Michele was born February 11, 1952 in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Fern and Sidney Johnson Miller III, a decorated WWII Air Force fighter pilot.

Sid and Fern, both musical, passed the love of music on to their three daughters, Sandi, Marjo, and Michele, with years of piano, dance, and voice lessons. Michele was tiny in stature, but blessed with a big beautiful voice, frequently singing the lead in the school musicals at both O.Henry Middle School and Austin High School and later, at parties, weddings, and funerals as well as at Christmas productions at Second Baptist Church in Houston.

After high school graduation, Michele attended Texas Christian University, graduating with a Music Degree in Voice and Piano in 1974. Many of Michele’s closest friends throughout her life were her TCU sorority sisters. When they moved back to Austin, married, and began having children, they humorously were known as the “Committee” and would often tell their kids they would have to consult the “Committee” with difficult parenting decisions! It was “Parenting by Committee”! Always a good laugh!

Michele taught sixth grade music in Austin for several years with one of her best friends and member of the “Committee.” Michele and Laura were a great team and produced several fantastic musicals together.

After leaving the classroom, Michele had a thirty-year career as a successful realtor in the Austin luxury market as well as investment and property management. She received many accolades during her career including Top Producer and Realty Austin Platinum Top 500 REALTORS 2019. Michele also served on multiple committees and not-for-profit boards, including Breast Cancer Resource Center, Habitat for Humanity, and the Austin Food Bank.

Michele’s greatest love, joy, blessing, and the light of her life are her two sons, Michael and Brian Ray. As they grew up, she never missed a game or special event and later took great pride in watching them flourish in their successful careers.

Michele was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Fern Miller, sister Marjo Miller Warren, Marjo’s husband, John Warren, and her beloved niece Chelsea Denenburg.

Michele is survived by son, Brian Ray; son Michael Ray, his wife Lindsey, their children, Hadley and Hudson; sister Sandi Denenburg, her husband, Victor; nephew David Denenburg, his wife Frani, their children, Giorgiana, Oliver, and Cecily; and, great niece Sydney Denenburg,.

A funeral service celebrating Michele’s life will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:00 am at Smith Family Chapel in Austin, TX.