Betty Miller died Jan. 17, 2014, in the company of her daughter Sheri Vail and granddaughter Sara Willy.

She was born Nov. 20, 1917, in Perth Amboy, N.J., was raised in rural Nebraska by her Danish immigrant parents and came to Enumclaw in 1934 at the age of 17. Her father Laurs Christian Laursen had been called to become pastor of Hope Lutheran Church and died within a few months of the family’s arrival. She joined her widowed mother in supporting the family and graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1936. She married army sergeant and classical musician, John Spencer, in 1942. They had twin daughters before her husband was killed several months before the war ended.

She worked at the Enumclaw Library, the Enumclaw Courier-Herald and the Kent School District. She was an avid reader and gardener, who loved crossword puzzles. She also loved running and participated in Bay to Breakers, Bloomsday and many other races with family members. For 25 years she spent part of each winter in Arizona with her husband Frank Miller, often hosting visits by members of her family. She also enjoyed dancing and celebrating her Danish heritage. She was an avid traveler.

Betty is survived by daughter Sheri Vail and husband David Vail; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two infant sisters; sister Margaret Jensen; brothers Herluf, Rudy, Carl and Helge; daughter Sue; grandson James L. Oliver and great-grandson Michael Oliver; and former husbands Milton Wiebe and Frank Miller.

A celebration of life is planned for June 7, in Ruston, Wash.

Memorials may be made to the Enumclaw Library in her name.