Darlene Miller

Darlene Miller, 92, of Rockford, IL, passed away on January 5, 2022. Darlene was born in Rockford, IL on March 4, 1929 to Clifford and Dorothy (Clay) Russell. She graduated from West High School, Class of 1946. In 1948 Darlene married James Miller and embarked on a life of traveling the world, living in several foreign countries and different locations within the United States over the course of his career.

Darlene was an active volunteer throughout her years overseas. In the Philippines she served with the United Nations World Health Organization, in Munich, Germany with the American Red Cross at the U.S Army Field Hospital, and on Okinawa with the Red Cross meeting evacuation aircraft transporting wounded servicemen from Vietnam to hospitals in the U.S. Her jobs included positions held as both medical and legal secretaries, manager of the officer-civilian club at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, and administrative officer for the Assistant Secretary for Health in the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., from which she retired. In retirement, she and Jim returned home to Rockford. Darlene then enjoyed 33 years as a volunteer at Swedish American Hospital.

Darlene is survived by her children Pamela Miller (Dennis Henderson) and Kimberly Taylor, brother Roger (Donna) Russell, grandchildren Christie Joseph and Tyler (Stephanie) Joseph, great-grandchildren Hunter, Greyson, Harrison and Landon Joseph, niece Martha (Peter) Lewis, and nephews Steve and Mark Yagle. She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Jim, and sister Betty Yagle. The family would like to acknowledge with gratitude the loving care of Julie Oddo and Sandi Getter as well as Northern Illinois Hospice.

Private services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com