McDonald Funeral Home
STERLING - Kelly Sue Miller, 56 years young, passed away peacefully after a 4-year battle against Frontotemporal Lobe Dementia (FTD), formerly of Loves Park, IL, at Rock River Hospice & Home, 01 March 2023.
Kelly Sue blessed the world with her presence on a beautiful Midwest summer day, in Sterling Illinois, 27 July 1966 to Sandra Wise and Clell Jaques, proud first-time parents. With a head full of golden blonde hair and big brown eyes, she was the most beautiful tiny human they had ever seen. She filled their hearts with joy.
Kelly bounced through life with a smile and joy, a love for people, kind words and a faith in God. She graduated from Dixon High School in 1984, upon graduation she briefly attended Sauk Valley Community College to study nursing. As Kelly decided this did not suit her personality, she then went on to pursue a cosmetology degree. There was never a head of hair she could not tame with a cut, color, or perfectly teased curl. Precision of snips with her expert hands extended to coax a smile and story from every client, the relationships she nurtured for many years were the satisfaction she desired. Kelly bounced on to her next adventure across the country to Baltimore, Maryland where everyone she met became a friend. A few years later Kelly moved back home to Illinois where she was employed by United Health Care for over 20 years where she flourished, accolades abound noting her dedication to service, beaming personality and attention to detail. However, her crowning achievement was becoming a mother to twins, Mallory and Mason, two tiny beings to pour her love of life and spirit into. Kelly was a faithful parishioner at Grace United Methodist Church Rockford, Illinois. Natural generosity and servitude for others was evident through her participation in the ringing of Salvation Army bells, the food pantry, Breast Cancer walks, Culvers Scoopy Day, Kids Rock at the Y, Rockford Share Fest and may other community rich events. Kelly also enjoyed long peaceful walks and scenic bike rides.
Kelly carried her love of family and endless generosity with her throughout her life no matter the challenges she faced. When receiving her FTD diagnosis she never asked why me but why not me joining the Mayo Clinic research team. Her experience and selfless donation of her brain will further medical research, aid in understanding and lead to a treatment of her disease.
Kelly was guided through her final journey of life by her loving mother Sandra and stepfather David Burch, Rock Falls IL, her beautiful children Mallory Miller and Mason Miller, Roscoe IL. She is survived by her sisters, Karla (Mitch) Rager, Oregon IL, Kristie (Dennis) Jaques-Anglin, O'Fallon IL, Keri (Travis) McGuire, Sugar Grove IL, stepsisters Michelle (Brian) Coleman Fairborne, OH, Monica (Ryan) Mefford, Knoxville, TN, and Melissa (Casey) Holbrook Knoxville TN. Aunt Lois Appleman, Dixon IL, Aunt Deanne & Uncle Marvin VonHolten, Tucson AZ. 24 nieces and nephews, 6 great nieces and nephews and a plethora of cousins. Former husband, Monte Miller, Roscoe IL.
She is preceded in death by her father Clell Jaques, grandparents Dorothy (Wise) & Gene Starnes, Lawrence Newcum, Harold and Mae Jaques, in-laws Robert & Doris Miller, and her beloved schnauzers, Schotzy, Rascal, and Frazier.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2:00-4:00pm on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. Memorial service will follow with Pastor Pam Rossmiller officiating. Interment will conclude at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. As a tribute to Kelly, the family invites guests to wear the color light blue as it was Kelly's favorite color. Memorial donations may be to VITAS Hospice, Mayo Clinic FTD Research Fund or the FTD Association.
Online condolences may be made at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com
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