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Jane Averill Miller, 87

Oct. 29, 1929 ­– May 22, 2017

“Princess” Jane graduated to Glory on May 22, 2017, at 7:50 p.m., 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 Oct. 29, 1929, the oldest of four children, to Norton and Ruth Averill in Geneva, Ill. At the age of 5, 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, Ill., and secondary school in Geneva, 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, 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, Colo.; Canberra, Australia; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Tucson, Ariz.; and Bend, Ore. 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 day 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 of Bend, Ore.; four living children, Kathleen Shissler of Spokane, Wash., Linda Gabriel of Bewdley, Ontario, Canada, Sharon Wilkens of Bend and Bruce Miller of Spokane; 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Scott Muller of 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 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at her church, Community Bible Church at Sunriver. Interment will be at Bend Pilot Butte Cemetery.

Memorials in Janie’s memory may be made to Community Bible Church at Sunriver, Ore.; to The Gideons’Int’l; or to Wycliff Bible Translators.