Thelma “Jane” Miller – O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

Thelma “Jane” Miller, 96, resident of Adams Pointe Senior Living, Quincy, passed away at 2:01 am Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Jane was born August 26, 1927, in Fulton County, IL to Perry and Cindona (Robinson) Heaton.

Jane graduated from Vermont High School and later attended the Gem City Business College.

She met Howard C. Miller, her life-long love of 71 years on the YMCA dance floor. She became engaged in the summer of 1950 and waited a long 2 1/2 years for him to return from the Korean War to marry on January 10, 1953, in Quincy, IL at Salem Evangelical Reformed Church. He survives.

Jane worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for WG Huston Investment Securities in Quincy. However, soon after their wedding, they said farewell to their families and boarded a train for California where her new husband was stationed. They arrived in the Golden State in mid-January. Upon stepping off the train and feeling the warm air in the middle of winter, it was decided to make California their life-long home. She found a job as a bookkeeper at Mastic Tile Company. She went onto work in the office at Peterbilt Truck plant. Many years later she resigned from there to work for Fremont School District until her retirement in 1992.

After long careers, they were ready for a life of travel together. She and Howard embarked on numerous travels, including trips to Europe, cruises through Alaska, and explorations around North America. Their favorite voyages were aboard the storied riverboats-the Delta Queen, American Queen, and Mississippi Queen-cruising the majestic waterways of the Mississippi River. Jane also enjoyed over 25 years of square-dancing with Howard, flower gardening, bird watching, and cats. Jane also loved visiting her childhood home in Vermont, IL.

Even though Howard and Jane did not have children of their own, her surviving family members were like her kids and grandkids. She is survived by her niece and nephew, Howard and Becky Hackamack of Quincy, along with their children and grandchildren. Jane’s great-grand nieces and nephews, Adam (Melissa) Hackamack of Fowler, IL, Audrey (Michael) Woodworth of Mendon, IL, and Ashley (Tyler) Shaffer of Loraine, IL, and her great-great-grand nieces and nephews, Brinley, Brooklynn, and Blake Hackamack; Taylor, Hattie, and Nash Woodworth; and Willow, Riggs, and Quade Shaffer; all held a special place in her heart. Jane’s extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will remember her fondly for her warmth and generosity.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved Suzi cat.

Friends and Family are invited to Jane’s Celebration of Life at a visitation that will be Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 10:00am to 11:00am at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A funeral ceremony will directly follow at 11:00am, with Pastor Alan Rabe officiating. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy, IL.

Pallbearers will be Adam and Melissa Hackamack, Audrey and Michael Woodworth, and Ashely and Tyler Shaffer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Adams Pointe Activities.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.