Jane Miller

Born: October 29, 1929

Died: May 22, 2017

Jane Averill Miller "Princess", graduated to Glory on May 22, 2017 at 7:50 PM, after a prolonged period of patient suffering. She is now free from pain, and is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord whom she loved and enjoyed for all her years.

Mary Jane Averill was born October 29, 1929, the oldest of four children, to Norton & Ruth Averill in Geneva, Illinois. At the age of five, she was re-born into God's own family - a close relationship that she cherished and nourished throughout her entire lifetime.

Jane attended primary school in Batavia, Illinois, and secondary school in Geneva, Illinois, graduating in 1947. In her high school years she was a charter member of the honored 'Lucky 13' Club. She then enrolled in Wheaton College, where she excelled and soon met her future husband, Walter Miller. They were married on June 14, 1950, in Batavia, Illinois, beginning a 67- year marriage characterized by enthusiasm for their God and loving enjoyment of each other. Always she was the joy of Walt's life, the inspiration of his every day. During their married years they eagerly responded to the calls of their Lord and moved as He directed, living in the Chicago area; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Canberra, Australia; Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Tucson, Arizona; and Bend, Oregon. In every place they proclaimed, by word and life, the wonder of their glorious God.

Always Jane was an inspiring magnet to young and old alike .... counseling, teaching, entertaining, loving. From her childhood she was widely known for her personal correspondence (warm letters and gifts). Many, internationally, were comforted, encouraged, and cheered by her words and her smiles, continuing until the time of ?her death.

Janie was a mentor and inspiration, especially to young people. Together with her husband, she engaged in Bible teaching and pre-marriage counseling. Jane was always dearly and widely loved and respected. She enjoyed beauty, singing, flowers, homemaking, infant children, close friendships, and romance. Everyone recognized her glowing smile, her warm heart, her personal beauty, and her sincere love for her Lord and His Word. She spent hours each days reading and enjoying the Scripture. Truly she lived out her faith and was a 'walking' example of a loving, Godly lady, who 'lived' on a daily diet of God's Word. Her knowledge of it was an inspiration to all who knew her. Jane was genuine, ever willing to sacrifice herself for those who needed comfort, love, and encouragement.

Jane is survived by her husband, Walt (Bend, Oregon); four living children, (Kathleen Shissler (Spokane, Washington); Linda Gabriel (Bewdley, Ontario, Canada); Sharon Wilkens (Bend, Oregon); and Bruce Miller (Spokane, Washington); nineteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Scott Muller (British Columbia, Canada); three brothers, and three grandchildren; Jeremiah Shissler, Justin Wilkens, and one premature child - all now in heaven with her.

She is also survived by a large international 'faith family' of beloved friends. All who knew her will miss the inspiration of her charming smile, her hearty greeting, and her warm love.

Services to celebrate the lovely, praiseworthy life of Jane Miller will be held at her church, Community Bible Church at Sunriver at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 7, 2017. Interment will be at Bend Pilot Butte Cemetery.

Memorials in Janie's memory may be made to Community Bible Church at Sunriver, Oregon; to The Gideons'Int'l, or to Wycliff Bible Translators.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kane County Chronicle on Jun. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jane Miller

Sponsored by Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home and Crematory.

3 Entries

Julie Myers

June 4, 2017

Hello Miller Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Miller passing. My mother Betty Koch called me today as she saw the sad news in the Tucson newspaper. I remember her as being such a gentle, quiet lady. I spent many wonderful years invited into her home as her daughter Linda and I were dear friends. Every night that I spent the night in their home, Mrs. Miller would give me a kiss on the cheek as she would Linda, I thought that was so very sweet. Its a good comforting memory.
My thoughts are with the family, my prayers are with you all.
Julie Koch Myers

Anneke Bennett

June 4, 2017

Dear Walt, we just read about Jane's home going in the cdalene press. We so remember her love, her smiles and her tremendous love for our Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Naomi Bennett

June 4, 2017

Victory for sweet Janie holds mixed emotions. How could we ever want her to have to come back to earth-living after she's been promoted to such exquisite joy. Yet, a chapter closes for us all, but especially you each who were blessed to be her family. She was my hero, a mentor, an encourager, a role model, a friend, Yet, her life was so much broader than influencing just a few. She was a princess, a delicate, feminine, beautiful princess, and she had an air of nobility that came from no earthly kingdom. Yet she was mighty in spirit and courage. God's strength shown through as she carried herself with dignity and grace as she endured so much physical pain. It seems to us that no one has endured their pain with more courage and quiet example of faith in God's ultimate good intent than Janie. She bravely, willingly carried the burdens God asked her to carry. She was a visual aid, displaying that God's grace IS sufficient and that He DOES walk through everything with His dear children. Jane modeled a gentle spirit; she tirelessly sent notes of encouragement when she could; her eyes twinkled and sparkled with love and joy and hope in her God. When she and Walt were my youth sponsors so many years ago in Colorado, occasionally she could leave the children with a sitter and come with him for our youth evening. We teens watched in delight as Walt bubbled that she was along for the evening. He stopped his car from time to time, enroute to picking up a carload of teens, and swept a big arm around her and kissed her in front of the kids. She blushed and reminded him others were around, but we teens got a peek into their happy marriage and loved it. I was invited to sit with them through family devotions a few times while visiting. I was blessed to see the creative ways they integrated their genuine faith and trust in God into intentional discipleship of their children. They took time to meet my Russ and take us out and give us advice that has worn well in our own marriage. "Always let the other one know where you are." They both reinforced how important that would be. They were right. And then, they prayed for us and our sons over the years. We cherished those prayers. I can't imagine Jane without Walt, and Walt without Jane. I remember when their, and my, dear friends the Hutchens were aging, they would say wistfully, "Now, don't you go off and leave me behind." In each case the wife was taken Home first. In each case, in spite of the devastating human loss, I can't help but think that, if one of them had to go first, each man would have sacrificially chosen to be the one who had to be left behind for a season. That's true love! And, Jane and Walt's TBIYA note (The Best Is Yet Ahead) always thrilled me. When others were bemoaning the challenges of aging, they bravely clung to the facts. And now, that BEST is being realized and experienced by Janie. God has released her and, like a hot air balloon soaring UP when its tether is cut, she flew away HOME! We rejoice for her, yet we pray for comfort and help for you, Walt, and your dear children and grands whom she loved so deeply. Sending our love and hugs, Naomi for Russ too :):)

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