Bette Lu (Souser) Miller

Bette Lu Miller of Spring House Estate, Everett, died on May 25. She was ninety-two yet her family never doubted her wisdom. Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and older Sister, she was the family matriarch, the rock at the center of her immediate and extended family. She had health issues almost half her life yet met them with optimism laced with a raucous wit and good humor.

She was a proud woman, proud of her families’ achievements and her small successes. She kept her presence and dignity and always dressed to reveal a sense of pride and confidence. She had a deep respect for others. Bette Lu was cautious in judgement of people, quick to see their strengths and developed close and lifelong friendships.

In 1946, as Elizabeth Louise Souser, she married Bob Miller a returned WW2 Coastguard veteran and Quaker of Fishertown, and joined him in the faith. Throughout her marriage she always held opinions. These were often tempered by husband Bob. In part, compromise was a reason their marriage was so successful. Bette Lu and Bob showed their children, and later their grandchildren, that give and take encourages respect and the importance of moral conviction. For many years Bob cared for her through sickness. When he was very sick, she nursed him when months before she was unable to do much for herself. It was special for the family to watch them together and what they meant to each other.

In her professional life, Bette Lu Miller was a teacher. A graduate of Cedar Crest as a theatre arts major and of Penn State in education, her classroom manner earned deep respect from her students, a love of learning and an acknowledgement from her colleagues at Bedford South Elementary of her impact on both faculty and students. Many students have kept in touch. A career highlight was being responsible for the first free standing gifted classroom in the state.

Her positive outward personality made Bette Lu an active participant and leader. She directed annual theater productions at Bedford High School and during winter sojourns in Arizona. She was a loyal member of Delta Kappa Gamma, participated in a weekly bridge group with friends and since her marriage, was a member of the Dunnings Creek Friends’ meeting. Her welcoming enthusiasm, persuasive charm and generous hospitality added special qualities to all her activities.

Bette Lu Miller is survived by her son Donald, with Lynda (Warrior’s Mark), and grandchildren Amy, with Leslie, (Alexandria, VA), Marni, and great-grandchildren Kobe and Josie; her daughter Marilyn, with Peter (New Zealand), and grandchildren Chad with Michelle, (Connecticut), Marcy (Altoona), Heidi, with Beau (Hawaii), and great-grandchildren Oshyn, Cruz, Tyce, and Kainoa. She is also survived by sister Sharon, with Jim (North Carolina), and nephews, Matthew, Brandon and family, and her adopted New Zealand family and friends.

In her latter years, Bette Lu has received selfless care from many people, more recently her close caregivers, the staff at Spring House Estates, Dr. Baer and the staff at Bedford Hospital and toward the end, the staff at Altoona Hospital. These her family thank.

A memorial service celebrating Bette Lu Miller’s life will be held on Monday, June 25, at 11am, at the Dunnings Creek Friends Meeting House, Fishertown PA. Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  At her request a memorial donation can be made to the Dunnings Creek Friends Meeting, c/o Marcia Rogish, 800 Preston St, Apt 1, Bedford PA, 15522.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.