Jo Etta "Jo" Miller

Jo Etta (Plocher) Miller, age 90, of Highland, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving children at Greenville Nursing and Rehab Center.
Born June 2, 1935, in Pierron, Illinois, Jo was the daughter of Orville and Leta (Pfister) Plocher. She grew up on the family dairy farm and attended Pierron Grade School, a one-room schoolhouse where she began her lifelong love of learning and community. She developed a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for family, faith, and friendship. Jo received the 4-H Key Award and served on the Illinois State 4-H Key Club Board. She graduated from Highland High School in 1953. In 1957, she was honored as Madison County Rural Youth Queen.
Throughout her life, Jo remained active in her community. She was a 4-H leader, a dedicated member of the Madison County Extension Homemakers and the Highland Women's Club, and served for many years as a Madison County Election Judge. She always gave her time and talents to support others and strengthen the community she loved.
On March 29, 1958, she married Donen Keith Miller at the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, Illinois, and together they built a beautiful life filled with family and friendships.
Jo worked for Highland Supply Corporation, Sanitary Milk Producers in St. Louis, and as a Tupperware Manager before founding Jo Miller Interiors in 1979, where her creative touch brightened countless homes across Highland and the surrounding communities. She later became a Realtor with Holzinger Real Estate, where her friendly spirit and community knowledge were invaluable to her clients.
Her favorite pastimes included bowling, golf, dancing, sewing, and spending time with her family. Jo excelled at cooking and baking and loved making Christmas cookies; that she shared with others. Jo and Don were Honorary Members of the Highland Country Club for multiple decades, where they shared many friendships and countless rounds of golf with friends.
Known for her fun-loving spirit and quick wit, Jo once earned the nickname "Teen Grandma" after dealing blackjack at a post-prom party for one of her grandchildren - and she kept the game going until 5:30 in the morning. Her sense of humor and energy were unmatched, and she brought joy to every gathering she attended.
Jo lived in Highland, Illinois, until 1997, then in Madison, Alabama, from 1997 to 2004, before returning home to Highland, where she remained until her passing. She often joked that even after her move, she never really left Madison County.
She is survived by her sister Janice (Plocher) Johns; her children Rodney Allen Miller (Janet Kay Dye Miller), Rachelle Lynn (Miller) Sauls (Daniel L. Sauls), and Russell Dean Miller (Heather Lee Kramer); grandchildren Andrew Sauls, Matthew (Mindy N. Miller, O.D) Miller, Zachary Miller, Kirsten Sauls, and Zoe Miller; great-grandchildren Dakota Sauls, Reece Miller, and Elliott Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Jo.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Donen Keith Miller; her parents Orville and Leta Plocher; her siblings Juanita (Plocher) Parrish Flamm and O. John Plocher: her daughter in-law Michelle (Alexander) Miller; and her grandchildren Abbey Miller and Michael Stein.
Jo will be remembered for her boundless energy, generosity, and devotion to her family. Her love, laughter, and unwavering support will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be held at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Interment will be a private family burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, where Jo will rest beside her husband, Don.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels of Towers Foundation 501(c)(3) https://T2T.org or Meals on Wheels.