Obituaries

Elsie L. Miller, 92, of St. Charles, Il, formerly of La Grange, Il, passed into eternal life on February 18, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years Russell R. Miller, her cherished children Cheron (Mark) Kneedy, Michael (Margaret) Miller, Paul (Cindy) Miller, her adored grandchildren Tim (Nicole) Kneedy, Mindy Kneedy (Daniel), her treasured great-grandchildren Grace and Ian Kneedy, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis Dagit Olson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Alma (Arnold) Dagit, four brothers, and five sisters.

Born in Churdan, (Greene County) IA on July 19, 1931 Elsie relished her memories of growing up on the family farm in Williams Iowa, the tenth of eleven children. She took pride in carefully performing her assigned jobs, excelled in school, and still recalled all the songs from the family sing-alongs around the piano in the evenings after supper. Upon graduation from Ellsworth College with a teaching certificate Elsie taught primary grades, which she loved because the children were so engaged and eager to learn. Following her first year of teaching she received permission to open the first kindergarten in the Williams, Iowa grade school.

Not long after Elsie and Russell married in 1952, they started their family. Russell’s career took the family to many different locations across the country. Everywhere she lived Elsie, with her sweet and thoughtful nature, made great friends for life. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest source of joy. An expert seamstress, Elsie made many a special outfit, Halloween costumes, and home goods for family and friends. She nurtured her gardens with tender loving care, never able to discard a struggling plant, and usually able to nurse them back to full health.

All who knew Elsie will miss her gentle touch, her kind words, sparkling eyes and sweet smiles.

Special thanks to the many wonderful people that supported Elsie in collaborative ways with compassion, thoughtfulness, and humor, including the supportive staff of River Glen of St. Charles.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice. Elsie was a friend to, and supported the American Heart Association and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements entrusted to Yurs Funeral Home of St. Charles, Il at https://www.yursfuneralhomes.com/.

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