Betty J. Miller

Betty June Miller, 86 of Gaylord, passed away Friday, June 21, 2024, at The Brook. Born on July 29, 1937, in Detroit, the daughter of John Henry and Lilly (Prince) Mansfield. 

Betty attended Detroit Cass Tech and Detroit Redford High Schools, graduating with the highest honors. She was an avid reader and learner; she joked many times that she had enough certificates and awards for learning and advanced training that she could wallpaper her home.

On November 9, 1962, in Gaylord, she married Donald. Having their wedding in a small Northern Michigan town, the treatment and lifelong friendships that developed due to the reception being held at Schlang’s Bavarian Inn made the transition north much easier. After Marriage Betty moved to Gaylord and took a job at Standard Products in the accounting office.

In 1970, Don & Betty purchased the Alpine Flower Shop on the Corner of Main Street and North Otsego (Old 27). This was a great opportunity for Betty to demonstrate her amazing ability to arrange flowers and plants.

In 1976, they sold the Flower Shop and Founded Northern Energy Inc. on South Indiana Street which was a Standard Oil fuel distributorship. The oil and gas boom in Northern Michigan in the late 70’s and 80’s led to rapid growth with Betty Managing the office and finances of the company until her retirement in 1990.

In 1992, Don and Betty sold the company to their sons, and began to tour different countries of the world together. Betty literally toured around the world in her travels to as many places and countries as she could find someone to go with her.

They were married until his passing in October of 2007. They enjoyed 44 years together, having three sons and creating a beautiful life that will have a lasting legacy for their family.

She is survived by three sons, Daniel Arthur (Dolores), their sons, Daniel William & Blake Arthur all of Gaylord, David Arthur (Jeni) their dog Molly of Gaylord, and Douglas Arthur of Gaylord, his children, Joseph Arthur, Zoe Ann of Nashville, TN and James Anthony Miller of Fargo ND; brother-in-law, Arthur William (Sharon) Miller of Hayward WI; nieces, Marie Noell (Jason) Murphy of San Francisco, Morgan (Michael) their children, Keith and Nellie Christensen of Oregon, Lilly (Richard) and their son, Milo Koehler of Oregon; and nephew, Clayton (Molly) Mansfield of Denver Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Arthur Miller; her parents, John and Lilly Mansfield; father and mother-in-law, Donald John and Marie Ann Miller; brothers, John (Kitty) Mansfield, Keith (Barb) Mansfield and Rick (Karen) Mansfield; favorite aunt, Elaine Prince; cousin, Jan Prince; granddaughter, Hanna Marie Jones and nephew, Keith Nicholas Mansfield.

The family wishes to pass on a special thank you to the Wednesday morning coffee group, which was one thing that she would never miss. Friends both still here and passed on from this group were the rocks in her life and are greatly appreciated by the family.

The family would also like to express gratitude to The Brook in Gaylord, to the staff and special care given to Betty throughout the years. Also, to Munson Hospice for the gentle and caring final days of Betty’s life here on earth. 

The family has chosen to remember her privately. No public services will take place. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the T.A.C.K.L.E. Fund of the Otsego Community Foundation, online at: https://give.otsegofoundation.org/campaign/tackle/c336288 or by mail to Otsego Community Foundation, PO Box 344 Gaylord MI 49734.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.