MILLER,
Jane Averill

October 29, 1929 -
May 22, 2017

Mary Jane Averill graduated to Glory on May 22, 2017 after a period of patient suffering. She is now free from pain, rejoicing in the presence of the Lord whom she loved and enjoyed. Jane was born October 29, 1929, the oldest of four children, to Norton and Ruth Averill in Geneva, Illinois.
Jane attended primary school in Batavia, Illinois, and secondary school in Geneva, Illinois, graduating in 1947. She enrolled in Wheaton College, where she soon met her future husband, Walter Miller. They married on June 14, 1950, in Batavia, Illinois. During their happy 67-year marriage, they lived in the Chicago area; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Canberra, Australia; Coeur d' Alene, Idaho; Tucson, Arizona; and Bend, Oregon.
Jane loved and was loved by young and old alike. She was widely known for her warm personal correspondence and gifts which continued with those at home and abroad until the time of her death. She mentored and inspired, and with her husband taught the Bible and counseled those engaged to be married. She treasured her Bible and lived her faith in a genuine, sacrificial love for everyone.
Jane is survived by her husband Walter, daughters Kathleen, Linda, Sharon and son Bruce. She was preceded in death by her son Scott.
Her memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 7th, at the Community Bible Church at Sunriver. Interment will be at Pilot Butte Cemetery in Bend, OR.
Memorials in Jane's memory may be made to Community Bible Church at Sunriver, to The Gideons' International, or to Wycliff Bible Translators.

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

Published by Spokesman-Review on Jun. 4, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jane MILLER

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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