Mary E. Miller

Mary E. Miller, 91, of Effingham, formerly of Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at Lakeland Care Center in Effingham. Mary was born on April 27, 1917 in Springfield, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Manning Ball. She was married to John A. "Nonnie" Miller and he preceded her in death in 1967. Also preceding her in death are her parents; great grandson, Andrew Davidson; great granddaughter Abigail Rector; her sisters, Ruth E. Suardi and Mary I. Pohl; and stepfather, Maurice Fitzgibbon. Mary loved children and was always there to help with the latest addition to the clan, holding, feeding, and "no-no-no-ne-noing" the babies to sleep. She is survived by her children, John A. (Patricia) of Eulis, TX, Mary E. (Ray) Hanna-Long of Effingham, James R. (Pam) of Springfield, Thomas M. (Ann) of Boulder, CO, Margaret A. (David) Metz of Lincoln, NE, William J. "Willie" of Springfield, Joanne M. Meierdirks of Scottsdale; and Carl M. Miller of Phoenix, AZ; 17 grandchildren, Patty (Neil) Williamson, Leah (Jeff) Young, Erin (Marcus) DeSanctis, Debbie (Keith) Porter, Greg (Donna) Hanna, Richard (Kris) Miller, Jeff (Michelle) Miller, Jenny (Mike) VanPreter, Greta (Paul) Davidson, Chris Miller, CJ Metz, Katie (Josh) Rector, Mary Grace Metz, Faith Meierdirks, Meredith (Brandon) Jackson, Jennifer (Pete) Ansell, and Carrie (G.W.) VanAlstine; 22 great grandchildren, Kane and Finn Williamson, Cloe and Miller Young, Isabella and Jillian DeSanctis, Hanna, Tom, and Joe Porter, Abby, Sam and Ben Miller, Isaac and Isabel Miller, Max VanPreter, Dylan and Ajay Davidson, Jason Kemp and Jayden, Gavin, Devin, and Mackenzie VanAlstine. Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Cremation will be accorded following the visitation by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, November 3, 2008 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield with Reverend Robert Jallas celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Martin De Porres Center, 1725 South Grand Ave., East, Springfield, IL 62703 or the charity of the donor's choice.