Elizabeth “Betty” Miller (Goodrich), 89, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Friday, August 10 in Clearwater, Florida. She was born September 14, 1928 in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, the daughter of Gladys M. and Edson C. Goodrich Sr. She graduated from West Lebanon High School in 1946, where she was valedictorian. In her 20s and 30s Betty lived in Denver and Seattle, where she worked at Veterans Administration hospitals and for Qantas Airlines. After returning to New England, she met Richard “Dick” Miller on the golf course in Vermont and they married in 1964 after a three-month, whirlwind courtship. They lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Woodbury, New Jersey before retiring to Seminole, Florida in 1974.
Betty was a committed volunteer at her daughters’ schools and for the March of Dimes and the Humane Society of Pinellas County, as well as a frequent blood donor. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed playing bridge, traveling with her family and working part-time in secretarial and retail positions. Betty’s home was always open to Lisa’s and Susan’s friends, where they built lasting and cherished memories with her through the years.
Betty was thrilled to welcome sons-in-law Mike and Ken and grandsons Lukas and Kevin into her family in the last several years. They were a huge source of joy to her, and she to them - whether it was taking road trips, visiting theme parks or just enjoying time with Grandma at home.
Betty was a blessing to all who knew her. We were honored to have her in our lives. Words can’t express our sorrow at losing her, but we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace, in God’s loving arms.
Betty is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard Miller of Clearwater, FL; daughter Lisa (Michael) Graff and grandson Lukas of West Bloomfield, MI; and daughter Susan (Kenneth) Burrell and grandson Kevin of Clearwater, FL. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Edson C. “Dutch” Goodrich.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Betty’s honor to Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross or the March of Dimes.
Services were handled under the care and direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st St. N., Seminole, FL 33776/(727) 391-0121.
