Obituaries

Bettye Ruth Mills

Photo of Bettye Ruth Mills
BETTYE RUTH MILLS of Little Rock, died Oct. 20, 2010. Bettye Ruth Hunt grew up in Fort Smith, Ark., one of Charles and Frida Hunt's six children. Her maternal grandparents, Nannie Fischer and Fritz Andres established a sub-division in Fort Smith known as Andres Place, where each aunt and uncle built their home. Thus, Bettye Ruth was blessed with a childhood surrounded by a close-knit extended family. She enjoyed an active social life, establishing many friendships that lasted a lifetime. After high school graduation, with the country still in the midst of a deep depression, Bettye immediately launched a career working as a secretary. As World War II ensued, she was introduced though a blind date to the love of her life, Lt Jack Mills. They soon married, as Jack was about to ship out to France. Following the war, Jack and Bettye moved to Champaign, Illinois so that Jack could complete his university degree. Champaign was the birthplace of their children, daughter Karen Kay and son Jack Jr. The family then moved to follow Jack's career in book publishing, first to Lawrence, Kan. and then to Morristown, N.J. It was in Morristown that Bettye turned her love of homes and home decorating into a highly successful career in real estate sales. After Jack retired, the couple moved to Little Rock, Ark. to be with family and a newly established circle of close friends through the Pleasant Valley Country Club. Jack and Bettye doted on their grandchildren, Julia and Anna. Jack predeceased Bettye in 2005. We remember Bettye Ruth for the strong values she made clear in word and action: a commitment to education and advancement; hard work and perseverance; thoughtful planning, organization and thrift; and loyal dedication to family and friends. She is survived by brother Fred Hunt and sisters Charlene Green and Frida Helen Boyd; daughter and son-in law Karen Mills and Joe Binter; son and daughter in law Jack Jr. and Susan Lominska; and granddaughters Julia and Anna Mills. Donations in memory of Bettye Ruth Mills may be made to Baptist Health Hospice, Little Rock; Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock; or the charity of one's choice. To sign Mrs. Mills' online guestbook, go to www.griffinlettetthealeyroth.com.

Published October 24, 2010

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