Doris Jean Miller

METROPOLIS, Ill. - Doris Jean Miller entered her eternal reward on Oct. 5, 2025, shortly after celebrating her 99th birthday. She was born on Sept. 19, 1926, in Burlington, Iowa, to Eddie and Ruth Stevenson and was baptized on Feb. 13, 1927. In 1941, she was confirmed at Messiah Lutheran Church.

Doris graduated from Burlington High School in 1944 and worked as a telephone operator for seven years before marrying Russell Miller on Sept. 2, 1951, in Burlington. Being a minister's wife became her full-time job, and together she and Rev. Miller faithfully served Zion United Church of Christ until his retirement on Dec. 31, 1992. Doris remained a devoted member of the congregation, now Zion Evangelical Church, for more than 50 years and cherished her church community.

After retirement, Doris filled her day with purpose and joy. She volunteered at COPE Food Pantry, enjoyed quilting and embroidery, traveled the world, and regularly met friends for dinner at Rubes. A loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, she rarely missed a game on television. She was also known for her remarkable memory and talent for word search puzzles.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 73 years, Russell. She is survived by her daughter, Leah, and son-in-law, Jonathan, of Colorado; and by her two grandchildren, Nina of Denver and Dylan of Cambridge; and two nieces in Ohio.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Misty Meadows, Doris's devoted caregivers, and the many friends who surrounded her with love following Russell's passing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to COPE (Christian Outreach Program Emergency) Food Pantry. Please mail donations to COPE, P.O. Box 761, Metropolis, IL 62960, and indicate memorial Miller.

A funeral service for Doris will be held at Zion Evangelical Church on Saturday, Oct. 11, with David Krueger and Jim Duncan officiating. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in the Zion Church Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com