Elizabeth Joan "Betty" (Pendleton) Miller, age 79 of Rossville, passed away on May 23, 2018. She was born on June 5, 1938 in St. Joseph, MO; the daughter of W. Warren and Naomi E. Pendleton.
Elizabeth attended Willard Grade School and graduated from Rossville High School in 1956. She earned her RN diploma from Stormont Vail School of Nursing in 1958 and spent a few years working as an RN at the VA Hospital in Topeka.
Elizabeth married her high school sweetheart, Donald "Don" Miller on March 1, 1958. In 1962, Elizabeth was called to work from home raising her children and helping Don grow the family farm. Elizabeth and Don enjoyed 60 years of marriage, through the ups and downs of raising children and building the family farm.
Elizabeth's life was dedicated to others, her family, community, church family, 4-H club, school board, friends and animals. She volunteered as a lector and Catechism teacher at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, was a Rossville Rustlers 4-H Club Leader for over 25 years, served on the USD 321 school board for multiple terms, and as a wrestling cheerleading sponsor (just to name a few). She rarely (if ever) said no to anyone who asked for her assistance. In addition to raising 6 children, she raised countless sick calves, horses, kittens, puppies, turtles, baby birds, gerbils, deer and even an iguana. She hated to see any living animal suffer and would work tirelessly to ensure its comfort.
Elizabeth is perhaps best known in the Rossville area for her enthusiastic support of athletics in the community. Her voice and cowbell could be heard above everything else (much to her children's dismay) at the countless sporting events she attended. She loved to attend all Rossville sporting events, even if she had no children or grandchildren cheer on.
Elizabeth's children remember her as a strong, caring, outspoken, intelligent, independent and hard-working woman. She was the pillar of strength of her family and will be sorely missed by her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her son, David Miller.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Miller, of the home; 4 daughters – LuAnn Baumchen and husband Paul (Lawrence), Diana Iseman and husband Jim (Burlington), Suzanne Tull and husband Ronnie (Willard) , Sarah Meinershagen and husband Kevan (Lawrence); 1 son, Daniel Miller and wife Jennifer (Willard) ; a daughter-in-law, Noel Miller (Dover); as well as 13 Grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth wished for private burial at the family farm. Therefore, a private graveside service will be held for immediate family members only. Other family and friends are encouraged to attend her funeral mass on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at St Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville, and stay for a luncheon in Dekat Hall afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Elizabeth "Betty Miller Participation Scholarship Fund" and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. To leave online condolences please go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.
