Janet K. Miller

Janet Kaye Miller, 78, of Williamsville, Illinois, passed away on April 5, 2023.

She was born September 1, 1944, and grew up on a farm in Brown County, Illinois. From childhood, Janet was surrounded by animals and books. She would ride her horse, Lady, out to the shade of a plum tree to spend afternoons reading and eating fallen plums.

After high school, Janet attended Gem City Business College in Quincy, then moved to Springfield, where she was a secretary for the State of Illinois.  During this time she met the love of her life, Lee Miller, and the two were married in 1964, nearly 60 years ago.

Lee and Janet built a wonderful life together in Williamsville. She worked at home raising two daughters and participating in community activities, including a membership in the Beta Sigma Phi life, learning and friendship sorority; participation in Home Extension; and supporting bible school at the Williamsville United Methodist church. Janet and Lee enjoyed weekly bridge club with dear friends and entertained regularly at home. These parties gave Janet an opportunity to whip up 1970s favorites like chipped beef cheese balls, big batches of original Chex Mix and rumaki. But her cooking wasn’t saved for special occasions. Her family has fond memories of her potato salad, chili, apple salad, dishpan cookies, “fall-apart” roast beef and more. She was an avid seamstress, making many clothes for herself and the girls, and she dearly loved her flower gardens.

As their girls got older, Janet reentered the workforce as a secretary at Horace Mann Insurance. Then she went back to school, studying at Lincoln Land Community College before graduating from University of Illinois – joining the rest of the family as a proud Illini alum. Upon graduation, Janet returned to Lincoln Land, this time as an English teacher, where she worked until her retirement.

Over the years, Janet experienced travel adventures all around the U.S., annual family fishing trips to Canada, an educational tour of England, Nova Scotia for her 60th birthday and France. And while she enjoyed traveling, what she loved more was being home with a cat on her lap, a dog by her side and a book in her hand.

Janet will be remembered as sweet, kind-hearted and compassionate. A loving wife to her husband, a nurturing mother to her daughters (and honorary mother to many more), and a good friend.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents Wilma and Cordell Logsdon. She is survived by her husband Lee; daughter Tera; daughter Jill and long-time partner Geoffrey; brother David and wife Judy; sister-in-law Judy and husband Glenn; brother-in-law Keith and wife Libby; sister-in-law Edith; uncles Carl and Orlando; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews; and a host of long-time friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather at Williamsville United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 12. Visitation starts at 10:00AM with services at 11:00AM, directly followed by a graveside ceremony on Walnut Hill. Casual attire is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the Williamsville Public Library and Museum in recognition of Janet’s lifelong love of reading.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.