Betty Miller

1930 - 2024

Elizabeth Miller, beloved wife of the late Frank Miller, passed away peacefully with family by her side in Lethbridge on Wednesday October 2, 2024 at the age of 94 years.

A private burial service was held at Mountain View Cemetery prior to the service on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Relatives and friends were invited to attend a service at the Italian Canadian Club, 1511 St. Edwards Boulevard North, Lethbridge on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Life Celebrant Shelly Bassett officiating.

Betty is survived by her children Bob (Brenda) Miller of Taber and their children Brendan (Jade) and Kendra (Tyler); Gordon (Liz) Miller of Calgary and their children Jillian (Ryan) Wilkes and Scott Miller; Melvin (Cheryl) Miller of Calgary and their children Tessa (Aryk) Miller and Daylan Miller; Alice Miller of Saskatoon; Calvin Miller of Lethbridge. She is also survived by her brothers Jake Koch and Mike (Shirley) Koch; sister Clara Krassman; in-laws Lena Eresman, Susan (George) Costea, Leonard Miller, Loretta Miller and Violet Fisher.

Besides Frank, her husband of sixty five years, she was predeceased by her parents Simon and Celestina Koch; sister Agnes (Del) Plaxton; brothers Cecil (Lena) Koch and Matt Koch; in-laws Frank and Florentine Miller (née Ressler), Alex Krassman, John (Tilley) Miller, Jack (Betty) Miller, David (Catherine) Miller, Valentine (Clara) Miller, Edwin Fisher and Christina (Frank) Resch.

Elizabeth was born August 24, 1930 in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. Growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan during the thirties was anything but easy. She had to help with whatever she could around the farm, especially making sure the horses had water. Betty would tell stories of dust storms and how cold Saskatchewan was in the middle of winter. She remembered waking up in the middle of the night to find all the water in the house frozen. Her first paying job was cleaning the school before the school year started. In her final year of school, she was in charge of starting the fire in the winter, which meant she had to go in early. Once she was finished school, Betty continued working around the farm until one day she decided she wanted a watch. In order to save up for that watch (which still works to this day), she went to Taber to work the beets with her dad and brother Matt. One Sunday evening, Betty met Frank at a mutual friends’ house, possibly having met him once before. After the beet season, Betty returned to Fox Valley and they started letter correspondence. On Christmas 1948, Frank showed up at Fox Valley with an engagement ring. They were married July 11, 1949. The first five years of marriage Frank and Betty lived all over southern Alberta, eventually settling down in Vauxhall in 1954. Originally thinking it would be for the summer, they stayed for forty six and a half years. Betty worked a number of jobs, typically in restaurants, and eventually assumed the role of book keeper for F. Miller Excavating, a position she held for twenty eight years. She was an avid volunteer, whether it be for minor hockey or later on as the treasurer for the Vauxhall Golf Course. Betty was very proud of the trees that were planted and we recall many a time where she’d gone out to ensure they were adequately watered.

Having five children they travelled many miles hauling children and their friends. Whether it was sports, concerts or the flavour of the day, she always made sure we had these opportunities. Occasionally even taking her grandchildren.

The Miller’s moved into Lethbridge on December 8, 2000 after building their fourth house together. They enjoyed many years of golfing, curling, bowling, dancing and playing cards with friends. Betty always kept score in cards and did manage to win her fair share. They enjoyed many years of travelling to Alaska, the Maritimes, Cuba, China, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, California and numerous trips to Minot and Branson. There were even two entire family trips to Mexico.

Betty was an avid sports fan and loved watching any sport that her children and grandchildren participated in. That said, she had a true passion for baseball. She grew up playing during the spring at school, having to sew the baseball back together at times. This led to being a great fan to her sons and daughter and later on grandchildren. Betty was known to watch the Vauxhall Academy, the PBA and the Lethbridge Bulls. She made trips to Vauxhall on game day well into her late eighties to watch the Academy. Betty always had a score book in her hand. She also enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays, although most of them could use a haircut.

Betty was a woman of integrity, honesty and generosity. She believed in helping those less fortunate than her and had a competitive nature that is unmatched. Something she passed along to her children and grandchildren. She will be forever missed.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Betty’s name can be made directly to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 - 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5.