Ruth J. Miller, 85, of Herscher peacefully went to be with our Lord and Savior on April 17, 2023. She was born on May 27, 1937 in Kankakee, the daughter of Alvin J. and Vina (Wabbena) Wilken.

Ruth graduated as Salutatorian from Gilman High School in 1955. She went on to study nursing at Capitol University in Columbus, OH where she earned her BSN in 1959.

Ruth married Larry Miller on July 11, 1959 in Danforth. After Larry completed military service, they moved to Normal where Ruth worked at Brokaw Hospital and as a clinical instructor at Wesleyan University.

In 1964, they moved to Herscher and raised their two sons, Gregory and Steven. Ruth worked part-time as an RN at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee until 1979, when she took the position as school nurse for Herscher School District.

In 1994, Ruth retired and enjoyed reading and spending time with her family.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband of sixty-three years, Larry; sons, Gregory (Sherry) of St. Louis, MO and Steven (Bunny) of Rochelle, IL; grandchildren, Lauren Morris, Nathan Miller, Shane Miller, Samantha Miller, and Owen Miller; great-grandson, Alex Morris; brother, Alvin D. Wilken; and sister in law and best friend, Joyce Miller.

A memorial service will be celebrated for Ruth at Trinity Lutheran Church in Herscher on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 11:00 am. Pastor Eric Brown will officiate. Burial will be at Danforth Cemetery in Danforth. There will be no public visitation.

Arrangements are being handled by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Little Lambs Preschool (Trinity Lutheran Church). Sharing Jesus with our youngest ones was a ministry for which Ruth felt a strong affinity.

Please share a memory of Ruth at knappfuneralhomes.com.