Rachel M. Miller

Rachel M. Miller, 72, of Avon, IL, passed away at 9:41 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2022 in OSF St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bloomington, IL. Rachel was born May 23, 1950 in Avon the daughter of Harry and Ruth (Meachum) Miller.  She was raised and educated in Avon, graduating from Avon High School in 1968, Carl Sandburg College in 1970 and Western Illinois University 1973.

Survivors include her children, Amanda (Jim) Hempstead and Evan Taft; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Lucas Ellis; Isabella Taft and Hope Taft McIntyre; Lance, Jackson and Erica Hempstead; sister, Della (Ron) Taft; niece, Ronell Taft;  Special friends Tricia Kilburn-Zehr and Sarah Gilfillan-Brown and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Rachel worked at Knox College, many years at the McDonough Democrat paper in Bushnell, Cottage hospital and in retirement worked at Premium Seed.

As a child, Rachel grew up on the farm where her parents raised and showed Guernsey cattle.  When it came time for her to start showing cattle she showed shorthorn steers. Her first love was always Guernsey cattle and this love led her to working many years at the Illinois State Fair Dairy office where she made many memories and lifelong friends.  Rachel passed on her love of showing livestock and horses to her family.  She was happiest ringside watching her grandchildren and friends show. She also loved attending all the sporting events of her children, Amanda & Evan and now her grandchildren’s sporting events.

She always made her family and friends feel loved by always remembering their birthdays and sending best wishes.  She spent many hours shopping for the perfect Christmas ornament to give to those she cherished.  Rachel was an amazing lady who always put others before herself.  She was someone you could always count on to be in your corner, supporting you, cheering you on with a big smile, words of wisdom, reminding you that you can do anything and to always follow your dreams.