Charlene Miller

1968 - 2025

Charlene Kay Miller, 56 of Durand, Illinois passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 after a valiant fight against colon cancer. She was joyfully welcomed into heaven by her Daddy Don, beloved niece, Kaitlyn and brother Bill. Charlene was born November 22, 1968 to Donna Lee (Ryan) Miller and the late Donald Vincent Miller. She was fun and fearless. Confined to a wheelchair at the age of 11 following major surgery on her legs, she learned how to walk again and eventually played high-school volleyball. In 1974, Charlene and her family moved from Seward, IL to the farm of her paternal grandfather, Vincent John Miller, near Durand, IL. Charlene attended and graduated from Durand High School in 1986. Her real achievements, however, occurred in the academic world eventually earning the Salutatorian honor for the class of 1986 at Durand High School. Charlene earned her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting at the University of Illinois and later an Accounting Masters Degree in Tax at the University of Illinois. While initially starting her professional CPA career in St. Louis; Charlene spent most of her career working in the Rockford / Belvidere area. Charlene was active in the community serving for many years as a Durand Lion's Club member and former Club President. She was honored by Lions of Illinois when she was named a Foundation Fellow. Charlene was also very active with St. Mary's/St. Patrick's Church in Durand contributing her skills to serve as accountant, bookkeeper and treasurer. Charlene was a popular Lector, always sharing the word of God with enthusiasm and eloquence. While Charlene excelled academically and professionally, her greatest joy came from her family. She enjoyed the role as a "fun" Aunt when her nieces and nephew were young; to following each of them through their academic and athletic journeys. Charlene was a dedicated friend and caretaker for both her mother and sister. Charlene cared for her sister when she too went through several health issues. Always being there for their every need from transportation to home care. Charlene was preceded in death by her father, Donald Miller, her infant sister Mary Miller, her brother Bill Miller and her niece Kaitlyn Miller. Charlene is survived by her mother Donna Miller (nee Ryan), her siblings Julie Miller and Robert (Laurie) Miller, her nieces Kylee Miller and Rachel Miller, and her nephew Luke Miller. The family would like to sincerely thank Northern Illinois Hospice for their professionalism, empathy and kindness. Her sister Julie cared for Charlene with dedication and love allowing Charlene to live her final days at home. Funeral Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 31, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 606 West Main Street, Durand, Illinois. Burial to be held at St. Thomas Cemetery, Seward, Illinois. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at McCorkle Funeral Home - Durand Chapel, 101 W. Main Street, Durand, Illinois.