Mary Elizabeth (Williams) Miller, 93, of St. Peters, Mo., formerly of Olney, died just before noon Friday, June 24, 2011, at her daughter's residence in St. Peters, Mo. She passed away in her sleep after many years of dealing with Alzheimer's and the recent loss of her husband.

Mary Elizabeth, better known as "Betty," was born in Wayne County on October 17, 1917, in the home of her parents, Jacob Calhoun Williams and Amy Rozella (Johnston) Williams. She was the last surviving child of five children raised in the Williams household.

The other members of the family who preceded her in death were Mabel Bradshaw of Casper, Wyo., Thomas Gooley of Broadus, Mont., Nettie Bell Piper of Sumner, and John Alexander of Worland, Wyo. Betty was married to Samuel Joseph Miller, who recently preceded her in death.

The Williams family moved to Olney, which is where Betty was raised, schooled, and married. Betty and Sam were married on November 1, 1940 and lived in Olney most of their lives. Their last residence was at 525 S. East St., until 2005, when their daughter and son-in-law (based on medical reasons) moved them to St. Peters, Mo., where they resided at Lake St. Charles Senior Center for almost four years and finally at the "Dehner residence."

Betty went to school in Olney and graduated from East Richland High School in 1935.

Her career achievements included raising her two children, working at the International Shoe Factory, working at Tressler's, going on the road with Sam's work, being a administrative assistant/bookkeeper to Sam's business, and accepting officiating positions within the First United Methodist Church of Olney as well as the TOPS organization. The first thing that most would probably observe about Betty was the friendliness, warmth and openness of her character.

She is survived by her son, John Miller of Effingham; daughter, Rebecca Dehner and husband Mike of St. Peters, Mo; stepson, Jack Miller of Calhoun; six grandchildren, one step grandson, seven great grandchildren and one step great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and two sisters. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) ~ June 28, 2011