Barbara L Miller

Barbara Lou (Williams) Miller 1934 – 2016 Barbara L. Miller, 82 of Rockford passed away quietly on October 31, 2016. Barbara was born on April 4, 1934 in Rockford, the daughter of Charles Aldo and Florence Irene (Tracy) Williams. She graduated from West High School in 1952, and married William (Bill) Paul Miller on August 15, 1953 in Rockford.

As a young child, Barbara loved horses. She would often visit the riding stable near her home and ride for hours. In addition to her love of horses, Barbara loved music. She played the Hawaiian guitar, piano, and loved to sing. During a Vice Presidential visit by Alben Barkley in 1950 Barbara was asked to sing at a reception held in his honor at Memorial Hall and sang La Vie en Rose in French. Barbara also sang and her sister Florence accompanied with the accordion in the band Keydeppes. They played on weekends at Northwest Community Center and in Madison for Veterans.

Barbara began her career working as a secretary at Church School and when she and Bill started their family, Barbara worked part time selling Queen’s Way to Fashion and she was a realtor for Century 21. In 1971, Barbara went back to work for the Rockford School District. During her employment at Rockford School District she was a school secretary at Stiles Elementary, secretary to the principal at Auburn High School, and supervisor for certified records in human resources until her retirement in 1999.

Barbara and Bill loved to square dance and travel. They traveled to the western states, southeast to visit the Civil War battle sites and Florida. Barbara and Bill also hosted foreign exchange students from Ecuador and Brazil and would take them on their travels to see the United States.

Barbara’s greatest love was the love she had for her family. She was always looking for a way to have family get-togethers and parties. She loved to cook and bake, especially pies, and was famous for her potato salad. Barbara will be remembered for her kind and gentle ways.

Barbara is survived by her children; William (Laura) Miller, Becky (Butch) Girard; her grandchildren, Justin (Jennifer) Miller, Colin Miller, Kate (Andrew Schwartz) Girard, Michelle (Jake Gerasch) Girard; her great grandchildren, Elliot, Charlie and Walter Miller, and sister Florence (Robert) Angileri .

Predeceased by her husband Bill, parents Charles and Florence, and her siblings, Lela (Mike) Dennis, Harriet (Ralph) Milani, Eugene (Dorothy) Williams, Doris (Francis) Hardin, Charles (Erma) Williams, and Alvin (Bettie) Williams. The family would like to thank River Bluff Nursing Home for their caring staff and support that was given to Barbara during her stay. Memorials can be made to the River Bluff Auxiliary Fund.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 6 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 West State Street, Rockford. Visitation at noon until time of service. Pastor Wendell Maynard will be officiating the service. Burial will be in Willwood Burial Park. To leave a memory or condolence visit www.advantagefunerals.com