Ethel M. (Butland) Miller of Amesbury MA passed away peacefully on Monday, February 18 in Portsmouth, NH. She was 85. She was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Albert James (A.J.) Miller of Seabrook NH in January 1993.
She is survived by her three children, Donna L. Miller of No. Hampton NH; Edward T. Miller and wife Barbara of Portsmouth NH; and Sandra J. Steck and husband Dr. Rob along with two grandchildren Cody Bryce and Austin James of Holland MI. She is also survived by one sister, Doris L. Vynorius of West Newbury Ma. Gone ahead are brother-in-law William W. (Bill) Vynorius and brothers Albert of Newton NH, Leonard of Epping NH, and Clarence Jr. (Bucky) Butland of Amesbury MA. Surviving them are wives (respectively) Marnie (Smith), Janet (Gamble), and Carol (Wilkinson) Butland. Several nieces and nephews.
Ethel was born and brought up in Amesbury Ma. Where she attended and graduated from Amesbury High School in 1946. She worked for Towle Silver in Newburyport Ma. Her hobbies included roller skating, and stock car racing in the “Powderpuff” derby’s where she competed under the name of “Cannonball Butland”. In addition, she and A.J. rarely missed a weekend of dancing, usually at Lane’s Ten Acres in Merrimac Ma.
She was a devoted mother, never missing a sporting event or school activity that her children were involved with. She also served as an officer for the Winnacunnet High School Football Boosters. Ethel also enjoyed long and rewarding retail sales careers with Tres Chic Wigs and Sara Coventry Jewelry. Other organizations she belonged to were the Rebekah’s, The American Legion, The Moose and Elks Clubs.
She and her husband A.J. retired to Seminole FL in 1985 where they enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors; playing cards and attending various functions at the Legion and V.F.W. In addition, Ethel spent most of her Sundays cheering on the New England Patriots of which she was an avid fan.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Ethel’s life will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to SolAmor Hospice, 65 Lafayette Road, No Hampton NH 03862. Online guestbook can be found at www.mchughfuneralhome.com.
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