Published on November 2, 2025 4:25 pm
Last Updated on November 2, 2025 4:25 pm
Mary Katherine Miller age 87, of Wheeler, Illinois passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Heartland Senior Living in Neoga, Illinois.
Funeral services honoring Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 7th, 2025, at the Crain Funeral Home in Newton, with Rev. Brad Henson officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of services Friday, November 7th, in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Wheeler Cemetery, Wheeler, Illinois.
Mary Katherine was born on February 13, 1938, in Effingham County, Illinois the daughter of Delbert and Flossie Nadine (Smith) Sinkler. Mary married Kenneth Kos Miller on December 18, 1954. The couple shared seventy years of marriage before Kenneth’s passing on July 26, 2025. Following her marriage and while raising children, Mary enrolled in the nursing program at Olney Central College. She successfully completed her schooling and earned her license to be a registered nurse. Having a love for the elderly, Mary worked primarily in area nursing homes. She retired from Lakeland Health & Rehab where she served as Director of Nurses. Mary was a member of the Kedron United Methodist Church. In her free time, she was an avid reader and enjoyed game shows, especially Jeopardy. She was an excellent cook and baker. She enjoyed sewing, painting and woodworking. Mary loved music and
taught herself to play a little guitar. She also loved to sing and was often encouraged to sing by her husband.
Mary will be loved and remembered by her children, Bill J. Miller, Deborah D. Miller, and Kenny Lee Miller, wife Anne, all of Effingham; five grandchildren, Shaun R. Kleinschmidt of Robinson, Mary Diane Kleinschmidt of Effingham, Danielle White, husband Dustin, of Neoga, Zach Miller of Effingham and Andrew Miller of Effingham; four great grandchildren, Levi Kleinschmidt, Drake Kleinschmidt, Mackenzie White and Derek White, and great, great grandchild, Nova Marie Gurley.
Her parents, husband Kenneth, and brother Bob, preceded her in death.
Memorial gifts, in honor of Mary, may be made to the Preachers’ Aid Society and Benefit Fund of the United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.crainfuneral.com.