Betty Miller

DeWitt – Betty Miller age 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday June 27, 2024 at Harbor Hospice Poppen Home with her family and friends by her side. Betty was born in Lansing, MI to the late Joseph and Erminia (Spagnuolo) DeRose on June 19, 1936. She had one sister Evelyn (Paul) Dionise (deceased) and one brother, baby Gasper (deceased). Betty married the love of her life, Wayne Leo Miller on November 3, 1973. Together they had one son, Luke Gilbert Miller. Betty was also the proud Nana to three grandsons; Alexander, Maxwell, and Samuel.

In Betty’s early professional career, she worked as a bank teller and then later worked as a nurse’s aide in the Tuberculosis ward at Ingham Medical Hospital. Eventually, her father Joseph became ill, and she took care of him until his death in 1972.

Betty dedicated her life to her husband, son, and family. She enjoyed making candy, crafts, and cooking large meals to feed family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with her grandsons teaching them about their Italian heritage. Betty’s feisty personality kept everyone on their toes. She was fun, mischievous, and always the life of the party. She welcomed everyone into her home with a smile and a warm meal. Betty was a member of the Church of the Resurrection in Lansing since 1987 and a lifelong member of the Italian American Club of Lansing.

After Betty and Wayne’s retirement, they focused on traveling, spending time with their grandsons and enjoying each other’s company.

Betty joins husband, Wayne Leo Miller, sister Evelyn Dionise and daughter-in-law, Karyn Suzanne (Sackman) Miller in heaven.

Betty is survived by her son, Luke Miller and grandsons, Alexander, Maxwell and Samuel all of Grand Haven, MI. In addition, she is survived by special family members, Joe (Julie) DeRose and Elaina, niece’s and nephew, Virigina (Chuck) DeLuca, Carol Dionise (Ron Kinney) and Joe (Rosie) Dionise. Wayne’s nieces and nephews, Denise Smith, Karen (Tom Gannon) Frazier, Cindy Green, Tina (Kim Tezak), Terry Kantz, Doug (Teresa Frazier), Pamela Frazier and Angela Iaconelli.

The Family would like to send special thanks to Pat Dixon (Christine Ianieri) D.J. Cooper-Krum (Mike), Doug and Teresa Frazier for all their help over the years, you hold a special place in Betty’s heart. Luke would also like to thank Katie Gerst for her short but meaningful friendship with Betty.

Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Vincent dePaul Society at the Church of the Resurrection, 1454 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Dewitt on July 3rd at 11am, with the family receiving friends beginning at 10am.

Visitation will take place on July 2nd at 2-4pm and 6-8pm with a Rosary at 7pm. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home (DeWitt Chapel), 205 E. Washington St. Betty’s final resting place will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lansing. There will be a luncheon at the Church to follow burial.