Marilyn M. Miller

Marilyn M. Miller

October 18, 1934 - May 30, 2024

Marilyn Mae (Gibson) Miller (89) passed away on Thursday May 30^th after a courageous fight.  Marilyn battled several health issues in recent years, just as she faced her entire life, with grace, determination and a love for life and her family.

Marilyn was born to parents Hubert and Ellen Gustin.  She was one of 7 children which included brothers; Clair and Hubert and sisters; Gayle, Barbara, Darlene and Charlotte.

Marilyn married William (Bill) Gibson Sr. on May 5, 1956.  They were married for 59 years until he lost a valiant battle to cancer. Together they raised 8 children; Cherie (Ron) Dayton, Nicole Gibson, Michael (Marsha) Gibson, Ronald Gibson, William Gibson Jr., Robert Gibson, Timothy (Rhonda) Gibson and Suanne (Brad) Carmichael in their Cherry Valley home where they shared their love of gardening and watching their family grow, eventually into 18 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 16 great-great grandchildren, and 2 great-great-great grandchildren.

Marilyn loved her work in the healthcare field.   She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for many years and later continued her education to become an Administrator for long-term care facilities.  She reluctantly retired at the age of 75.

Marilyn married John Miller of Waukesha, WI on October 15, 2016, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Rockford.  Marilyn was welcomed by John’s family, which included his 3 children, Lygia (Mark) Sie, Daniel (Julie) Miller, and Cindy (John) Miller, along with their extended families. 

Marilyn is survived by her husband John, 6 children, numerous grandchildren, 3 stepchildren, sisters Barbara Jenkins and Charlotte (Alan) Abanes, brother Hubert (Barbara) Gustin, brother-in-law Richard (Linda) Gibson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband William, sons Ronald and Robert, son-in-law Darius (Lee) Dayton, granddaughter Jeannette Shinn, Grandson in-law James (Doug) Adams, great-granddaughter Felicia Craigg, brother Clair Gustin, and sisters Gayle Pratt and Darlene Bush.

Arrangements handled by Fitzgerald Funeral Home

Services to be held on Saturday June 15th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church

4620 20^th street

Rockford IL, 61109

Pastor Wendy Popp officiating

Visitation at 1:00

Funeral service at 2:00

Interment following funeral service at Cherry Valley Cemetery.