Anita Brigitte Miller

Anita Brigitte Miller, 90, of The Villages, Florida, formerly of Sandwich, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on August 28, 2025.

Born on October 21, 1934, in Breitscheid, Germany, to Karl and Margaret (Herborn) Zeiler, Anita’s early years were filled with cherished memories—gathering wild strawberries in the woods, watching village women bake bread in the community oven, and visiting her many aunts and uncles. Her resilience was shaped early when her family's home and Gasthaus (Inn) were partially destroyed during the war, forcing them and others in the village to seek temporary shelter in a cave with limited access to food. After losing her father at age 13, Anita helped her mother and brother run the rebuilt family inn.

As a young adult, Anita attended modeling school with her best friend, Henny, and later housekeeping school, where she learned the essential skills of managing a household. In 1957, she immigrated to the United States. While working at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, a friend introduced her to James C. Miller. They married on August 24, 1963, in Palos Park, Illinois. Anita often said she had finally met her “prince charming.”

Together, Anita and Jim built a beautiful life in Oak Forest and later in Lake Holiday where they raised their family and shared many joyful years. They traveled often, especially to visit Anita’s relatives in Germany. In 1998, they moved to The Villages, Florida, where Anita embraced the lifestyle by learning to golf, joining the German Club, and enjoying live entertainment in the town square.

Anita’s home was a haven of kindness, laughter, and understanding. She welcomed family and friends from Germany for extended visits and was known for her compassion, generosity, and grace. She volunteered at the local hospital, supported neighbors in need, and never missed a birthday or anniversary, always sending a thoughtful card. She enjoyed playing bridge and bingo, solving crossword puzzles, shopping with her best friend Liesl, and watching crime dramas. She was also a member of the Lake Holiday Garden Club.

Anita is survived by her children: Thomas Miller of The Villages, Florida; Christine (Timothy Malcolm) Cain of Sandwich, Illinois; James (Moira) Miller of Arlington Heights, Illinois; and Kurt (Katrina) Miller of Mount Dora, Florida. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Joshua (Natally) Fisher, Adrian Miller, Brittany Cain, Rachel (Al) Luszczak, Jimmy Miller, Margaret Miller, Claire Miller, Gretchen Miller, and Theo Miller; six great-grandchildren: Wyatt Fisher, Bridgett Fisher, Brian Miller, Issabela Miller, Emily Miller, and Vincent Luszczak; her brother, Rolf Zeiler; nieces Susan Miller, Sabine Zeiler, and Ute (Mario) Zöellner; nephew Clark (Debbie) Miller; several cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews; and her long-time friend, Liesl Pitts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Jim, and her son Kyle.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing Anita’s love, generosity, and kindness will continue to guide us. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her son Thomas for his devoted care during her final years.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Somonauk, Illinois. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 a.m., followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Open Door in Sandwich, Illinois, Our Sharing Pantry in Somonauk, Illinois, or a charity of your choice, so Anita’s spirit of giving may live on. For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com 

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home 

13160 W. Rt 34 ~ P.O. Box 404

Somonauk, IL 60552

815-498-2363