Eleanor C. Miller, 94, died peacefully on July 5, 2026, with her family by her side.
Eleanor was born on September 14, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas and Susan (Bauster) Heck. On July 26, 1953, she married the love of her life, Raymond J. Miller, and together they shared many wonderful years of marriage.
Eleanor was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. She possessed an independent spirit, a deep Catholic faith, and a kind heart that touched everyone she met. Family was her everything, and she treasured every moment spent with those she loved. She also enjoyed playing BINGO and the friendships and fun it brought into her life. Eleanor will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her children, Ray (Joan) Miller of Wichita, Kansas, Susan (Michael) McAlevy of Crystal Lake, Barbara Miller of Algonquin, Joseph (Bridgette Saunders) Miller of McHenry, and Jeanette ( the late Ed) Gratz of Loves Park; her grandchildren, Raymond, Robert (Amanda), Daniel (Amber), James, Kevin (Susan), Michael, Keith, Shannon (Kyle) Willemssen, Joseph, Edward (Jose), Cheyanne, and Noah; and her 12 great-grandchildren.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond J. Miller; her daughter, Ramona Unruh; her son, Michael Miller; her parents; and her siblings, Joseph, Peter, Robert, Thomas, and Mary Jane.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be private. .
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at Valley Hi Nursing and Rehabilitation for the exceptional, compassionate care they provided. Your dedication and warmth brought great comfort to Eleanor and the entire family.
The family is eternally thankful to the entire staff at Transitions Care Hospice for treating Eleanor with the utmost dignity, love, and respect. Your support ensured Eleanor experienced a peaceful and comfortable conclusion to a beautiful life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of one's choice.
For further information, please contact DeFiore Funeral Home at 847-515-8772 or visit www.defiorefuneral.com to leave an online condolence.
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Robert and the Miller family- I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family during this difficult time and hope that everyone finds peace and comfort, together.
My deepest condolences to you. Sending you love and strength during this difficult time.
Sending my condolences to the entire family. I sat next to Eli at bingo back in the 70s at the Lake in the Hills American Legion and then at St. Monica‘s in Carpentersville until Covid shut it down.
So sorry to hear about Aunt Eleanor. She was the last of all my Aunts and Uncles. She was only 11 years older than me. I remember her fondly and remember all the fun our families had when we were growing up. There were 17 of us first cousins. In case you didn’t know, my brother Jim passed away two weeks ago so he is now also there with all our family enjoying each other in their forever home. Mike passed about a year and a half ago. Will keep all of you in my prayers.
Our deepest condolences to your entire family. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you all His peace and comfort, and may He welcome Eleanor into His eternal embrace. Eternal rest grant unto Eleanor O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
I always enjoyed talking with Eleanor. We had some great conversations about our families and things of the past. She was a special person. She will be missed.
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sending the family condolences and prayers for peace and comfort. May Eleanor rest in eternal peace. 🙏