Ralph Francis Miller (90) of Newton

Ralph Francis Miller, age 90, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 12:55 AM Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at Newton Care Center in Newton, Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 13 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, IL with Fr. Dean Probst and Deacon Larry Miller celebrating mass. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 PM Monday at the church and 9:00-9:30 AM prior to the mass in the church. Burial will be in the New St. Peter Cemetery in Newton, Illinois, with full military rites.

In loving memory of Ralph, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Fund, St. Thomas School or for Masses. Arrangements are under the care of Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. 

The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.

Ralph Francis Miller was born on May 11, 1929, in Wade Township, Jasper County, Illinois, the son of John and Edith (Kerner) Miller. He married Rosalie Marshall on November 23, 1953, and she preceded him in death on December 9, 2013.

He served his country in the United States Army from 1951-1953, during the Korean Conflict. Ralph and his brother Bernie opened Miller Brothers Texaco Station in 1954, and he operated the business until his retirement in 1985.  

He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus #1704. Ralph was a 71-year 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a 50-year 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Assembly #1554, serving as Faithful Navigator and Columbian Home Board member. He was a 64-year continuous member of the Jasper Post # 20 American Legion and a 14-year continuous member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #20. He served on the Board of Director of Jasper County Saving & Loan and founding member of Jasper Jobs Incorporated.  

Ralph is survived by: 3 Children – David (Sharon) Miller of Effingham, Illinois, Danny (Laura) Miller of Newton, Illinois, and Patty (Marc) Leist of Calhoun, Illinois; Sister- Maxine Koontz of Robinson, Illinois; 3 Sisters-in-law – Donna Smallwood of Newton, Illinois; Carole Marshall of Willow Hill, Illinois and Adaline Miller of Newton, Illinois; 2 Brothers-in-law – Delane (Marlene) Marshall of Olney, Illinois and Howard (Brenda) Marshall of Salem, Illinois; 11 Grandchildren; 14 Great Grandchildren with 2 more on the way; and Several Nieces and Nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rosalie, son Dennis, sister Sarah Miller; 4 Brothers Maurice Miller, Ed Miller, Roscoe Miller, Bernard Miller; 1 great grandchild; 1 niece; 1 nephew; 5 sisters-in-law Lola Miller, Rosemary Miller, Marjorie Miller, Jean Marshall, Peg Marshall; 4 brothers-in-law Herbert Marshall, Bobby Koontz, David Marshall, Jr. and Duane Smallwood.