Jane Averill Miller

'Princess' Jane graduated to Glory on May 22, 2017 at 7:50 PM, after a prolonged period of patient suffering. She is now free from pain, and is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord whom she loved and enjoyed for all her years. Mary Jane Averill was born October 29, 1929, the oldest of four children, to Norton & Ruth Averill in Geneva, Illinois. At the age of five, she was re-born into God's own family - a close relationship that she cherished and nourished throughout her entire lifetime. Jane attended primary school in Batavia, Illinois, and secondary school in Geneva, Illinois, graduating in 1947. In her high school years she was a charter member of the honored 'Lucky 13' Club. She then enrolled in Wheaton College, where she excelled and soon met her future husband, Walter Miller. They were married on June 14, 1950, in Batavia, Illinois, beginning a 67- year marriage characterized by enthusiasm for their God and loving enjoyment of each other. Always she was the joy of Walt's life, the inspiration of his every day. During their married years they eagerly responded to the calls of their Lord and moved as He directed, living in the Chicago area; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Canberra, Australia; Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Tucson, Arizona; and Bend, Oregon. In every place they proclaimed, by word and life, the wonder of their glorious God. Always Jane was an inspiring magnet to young and old alike .... counseling, teaching, entertaining, loving. From her childhood she was widely known for her personal correspondence (warm letters and gifts). Many, internationally, were comforted, encouraged, and cheered by her words and her smiles, continuing until the time of her death. Janie was a mentor and inspiration, especially to young people. Together with her husband, she engaged in Bible teaching and pre-marriage counseling. Jane was always dearly and widely loved and respected. She enjoyed beauty, singing, flowers, homemaking, infant children, close friendships, and romance. Everyone recognized her glowing smile, her warm heart, her personal beauty, and her sincere love for her Lord and His Word. She spent hours each days reading and enjoying the Scripture. Truly she lived out her faith and was a 'walking' example of a loving, Godly lady, who 'lived' on a daily diet of God's Word. Her knowledge of it was an inspiration to all who knew her. Jane was genuine, ever willing to sacrifice herself for those who needed comfort, love, and encouragement. Jane is survived by her husband, Walt (Bend, Oregon); four living children, (Kathleen Shissler (Spokane, Washington); Linda Gabriel (Bewdley, Ontario, Canada); Sharon Wilkens (Bend, Oregon); and Bruce Miller (Spokane, Washington); nineteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Scott Muller (British Columbia, Canada); three brothers, and three grandchildren; Jeremiah Shissler, Justin Wilkens, and one premature child - all now in heaven with her. She is also survived by a large international 'faith family' of beloved friends. All who knew her will miss the inspiration of her charming smile, her hearty greeting, and her warm love. Services to celebrate the lovely, praiseworthy life of Jane Miller will be held at her church, Community Bible Church at Sunriver at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 7, 2017. Interment will be at Bend Pilot Butte Cemetery. Memorials in Janie's memory may be made to Community Bible Church at Sunriver, Oregon; to The Gideons'Int'l, or to Wycliff Bible Translators.

Tributes

Jane Averill Miller

October 29, 1929 - May 22, 2017