Janet Miller, 92, of Robinson, IL, passed away on April 29, 2026, in Marietta, GA, where she had resided for the last 4 years. She was born on April 17, 1934, in Noble, IL, to Russell & Edna (Rusk) Shan.
Janet grew up on the Shan family farm in Noble. Number eight of ten children, Janet and her siblings tended to the daily chores and tasks associated with farm life. She learned how to prepare and preserve the food grown in the family’s large garden. The hard work she knew as a child led to the strong work ethic she demonstrated throughout her life. She took pride in her humble upbringing and often said that while they did not have a lot in the early days, they always had fresh food to put on the table. She used the skills she learned on the farm throughout her adult life and maintained a backyard vegetable garden, growing and canning her own tomatoes for years.
After graduating from high school in 1952, Janet married Raymond Miller, who was born and raised in Oblong, IL. They moved to Terre Haute, IN, and worked for several years before starting their family. After moving to Robinson in the early 60’s, Janet enjoyed being a homemaker and often sewed the clothes she and her daughter wore. When her youngest started elementary school, Janet began her college career. She earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education at Eastern Illinois University while raising a family. She began her teaching career in 1971 and worked for Community Unit 2 for the next 26 years.
Janet was an active and dedicated community member. In addition to the hundreds of children she taught over the years, she was a longtime active member of the First United Methodist Church in Robinson and a member of PEO and Delta Kappa Gamma. Her affiliation with these organizations provided her with the opportunity to serve her community, travel to convention sites, and make many lifelong friends.
Janet had many interests and hobbies, but her favorite by far was creating a lush landscape of plants and flowers surrounding her home. She spent her days during the spring and summer tending to the beautiful blooms, bushes, and ornamental trees that could be found throughout the yard. Neighbors and even passersby would compliment the array of colorful blooms and ask the names of flowers and how she achieved her remarkable results. These encounters brought her both pride and joy.
Those who preceded Janet in death include her husband of 62 years, Raymond Miller; her beloved son, Glenn Miller; and siblings Elaine Shan, Floy Sterchi, Betty McKnight, Carol Peters, Carmen Hogue, John Shan, and James Shan (infancy). She was also preceded in death by her niece and nephews, Sharon Waggoner, Russell (Sonny) Sterchi, and David Waggoner. She is survived by her daughter, Laura (Miller) Meyer; her granddaughter, Emily Bell (Brandon); her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Miller; her brothers, Jerry Shan and Steve Shan; and several nieces and nephews. While Janet will be sadly missed by her loving family, we take great comfort in knowing hers was a life well-lived, and without a doubt, we will be together again in Heaven.
A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Memorial contributions may be made to the NOW Program, which sends supplemental food home on weekends with select students in the Robinson School District. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
A private service will be held at the Hope Chapel in Crest Haven Memorial Park in Claremont, IL, where she will be laid to rest.
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