Bette J. Miller

Bette J Miller, 88, of Battle Creek passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023. She was born November 19, 1935, to Hallie (Norris) and Arnold Wright. She was raised by Hallie and Tom Tassos.  

Bette grew up in Battle Creek graduating from Battle Creek Central High School, Class of 1954. On August 2, 1957, she was united in marriage to LeRoy J. Miller. She dated LeRoy on and off since seventh grade and celebrated 66 years of marriage this past summer. Upon graduation, Bette worked at the Battle Creek Police Department.  She also worked for Calhoun County Abstract and Title Company and First Federal Savings and Loan (later known as Great Lakes Savings and T.C.F.).  

Bette was a lifelong member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority from 1954 to 2022, where she cherished her friendship and community service with her girlfriends. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1966, serving as an elder, deacon, and Sunday school teacher. 

Throughout the years, she spent time reading, volunteering, sewing, keeping up with her high school classmates, and most importantly enjoying time with her family. For 28 years, Bette spent her retirement tap dancing.  Until this past June, she participated in two recitals a year at Shari Rarick Studio.  She was an inspiration to all with her wisdom and energy.

Bette is survived by her husband, LeRoy Miller; three children, Cynthia D. Green, Angela M. (Jim) Bell, and David A. (Tracy) Miller; grandchildren, Melissa A. Miller, Nicole M. Green, Ashleigh (Jason) Mayfield, Katherine E. Green, Laura J. (Tom) Briley, Leslie M. (Brock) Marvin, and Daniel (Melanie) Bell; great-granddaughters, Joceyln Mayfield, Allison Mayfield, Madelyn Briley, Beatrice Marvin, Anna Briley, Natalie Briley, Norah Marvin, Elizabeth Marvin, and Charlotte Briley; her sister, Janell Mull; sister-in-law, Tula Walther; four nieces and three nephews. She was preceded in death by son, Joseph A. Miller; her parents, Hallie and Tom Tassos; and her brother, Paul Wright. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church located at 111 Capital Ave. NE.  Visitation at 10:00 am.  Celebration of life at 11:00 am, officiated by The Rev. Lorenzo Small. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.