Helen Elizabeth, “Betty” Miller

Helen Elizabeth, “Betty” Miller, age 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15, 2016, surrounded by her family.  Betty is survived by her husband Larry, their son L. Brent Miller (Bonnie Weaver-Miller) and her grandchildren, Grace (Nick) Smeenk, Chase, Addie, Jack and Meg Miller.  She has one great granddaughter, Charlotte (“Charlie”) Christina Smeenk.  Betty is also survived by her brother Kenneth L. (Lela) Carruthers.  She is preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Christina Lynn Miller (April 11, 2012).

Betty was born to Franklin A. and Ruth I. Carruthers on May 10, 1934, in Peoli, Ohio (Tuscarawas County).  She was a graduate of New Concord High School (1952), and Columbus Business University where she received certification as a courtroom stenographer.  She married Larry W. Miller on June 5, 1955 and they shared life together for sixty-one wonderful years.

Betty joined the workforce as secretary to the Manager of Guernsey Muskingum Electric.  After her children were born, she changed jobs to be able to spend more time with them.  She worked seventeen years as a Medical Assistant to Dr. J. Herbert Bain in New Concord.  In 1977, Betty returned to work full time as the Secretary to the Director of Student Affairs at Muskingum College, a position she held for twenty-four years.  She later worked five years as a part time secretary in the Muskingum College Athletic Department.  Betty was passionate about helping the students and faculty, and these jobs provided her many long years of friendship.

In addition to her work, Betty was also very active in church and social clubs.  She became a member of the New Concord United Methodist Church in 1948 when her parents relocated to the area.  She was a charter member of the Tots-to-Teens Mothers Club, a member of Women’s Forum, Ohio Eastern Star, and enjoyed her friends in Card Club.  She also served in the nursery at New Concord United Methodist Church and was an avid supporter of East Muskingum Schools.

Betty’s life was devoted to caring for her friends and family. Her interests were immediate family, their needs and activities.  She also developed strong friendships with her neighbors, members of her church, her social clubs and student and staff at Muskingum College.  Betty’s hobbies were centered on creating and decorating her home and over thirty years as a regular attender of East Muskingum School District student activities.  Betty’s kind and loving heart touched many lives and she will be greatly missed by all those she leaves behind.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Farus Funeral Home of New Concord, OH.  Calling hours will be held Monday, October 17, 2016 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the New Concord United Methodist Church, 20 East High Street, New Concord, OH.   A funeral service will be held at the New Concord United Methodist Church Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 11:00 am, with Rev. Karen Graham officiating, followed by burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, New Concord, OH.   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Concord United Methodist Church.

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