Betty Jo Miller

Betty Jo Miller, 101, passed away November 24, 2023, at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas.  She was born on a farm near Early, Iowa, on April 1, 1922, to Meryl and Helen Wadsley.  She always enjoyed telling people she had a foolish birthday, having been born on April Fools Day.  She attended elementary and high school in Early and was valedictorian of her high school graduating class.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from Iowa State University, and later received a Master of Education degree from Arizona State University.  She taught school briefly after graduating, and married Bryce Miller in 1945.  Bryce took a job with Doane Agricultural Services, and they moved from Iowa to Quincy, Illinois, where sons Rick and Mike were born.  In 1952 the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, so that Bryce could advance his farm management career in the arid southwest. Daughter Mary was born in Phoenix.

In Phoenix, Betty Jo was always active, whether as a piano teacher, church leader, choir member, scout leader, bridge player or seamstress. She was involved with the Phoenix Symphony Guild, the Phoenix Cotton Wives, and Urban Ministries.  She was a member of the PEO sisterhood since 1954. After Bryce died in 1973, she pined for her beloved Midwest and moved back to Iowa in 1977, unfortunately committing the unpardonable sin of throwing away her sons’ baseball card collection when she moved. 

She moved to Lawrence in 1979 to be near her sister, and instantly fell in love with Lawrence. She lived near the University and found great joy in hosting international graduate students, opening her home to them.  She continued to maintain relationships with many foreign students and even travelled to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore to visit some in their home countries.  She taught piano out of her home for many years and loved all her students.  She was an excellent seamstress and sewed everything from doll clothes to quilts to tailored suits. She was actively involved with First United Methodist Church, PEO, Douglas County Home Economists, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity, the Lawrence Music Club, the Salvation Army Auxiliary, and her Bridge Club.  She continued to be part of a chamber music ensemble, Sine Nomine, even after she moved into Assisted Living.  She lived at Presbyterian Manor for over 20 years and loved everything about the Manor.

Betty Jo loved all people, never met a stranger, and lived a life of gratitude.  She is predeceased by her husband Bryce Miller, her brothers Ivan Wadsley and Dick Wadsley, her sister Arla Clyatt, and her daughter-in-law, Adele DuBourg Miller.  She is survived by her son Rick Miller; her son Mike Miller and wife Diane; her daughter Mary Bullis and husband Paul; her granddaughter Natalie Juneau and husband Peyton; her granddaughter Lee Bullis, her grandson David Bullis and wife Alesha Rimmelin; her great-granddaughter Rosemary Bullis, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Betty Jo will be held at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont, in Lawrence, on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 11:00 am.  Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church. Please click the link to view the service https://youtube.com/live/j34P5iW2oM4?feature=share