Elizabeth "Betty" Jane McMillen's Obituary
Elizabeth “Betty” Jane McMillen, age 95, of Chanute KS, passed away April 8, 2018 at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. Betty was born in rural Chanute on June 10, 1922, the daughter of John William & Velma Leora (Bower) Thielen.
Betty was a lifelong resident of rural Chanute, graduating from Chanute High School with the class of 1940. She attended Chanute Junior College and PSU, and acquired her emergency teaching certificate during WWII. She then purchased a horse and saddle to ride and teach at Bunker Hill, a one room school, for one year.
On Sept 12, 1943 Betty married the love of her life, Clay Eugene “Gene” McMillen in Erie, Ks. To this union, 7 children were born. Raising her children and being Gene’s partner on the farm were her pride and joy. Eventually, the McMillen home became known as the McMillen Museum, with 60 books of family and area history, family antiques and keepsakes.
Faith, Family, and Farm were Betty’s main priorities. Being a great Historian, she recorded history for Wilson and Neosho Counties, churches and cemeteries. She recorded the family’s history back to the 1580’s. She was also involved in 4-H, NFO, and Vilas Home Builders Unit.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and was known as “Grandma Betty” to everyone in town. Betty was also known for her “Brain Blitz” motivational speeches which she gave for several organizations at the age of 84.
Betty was currently a member of the First United Methodist Church, having been baptized at St Patrick Catholic Church at a young age. She was a previous member of the Zion Methodist Church and High Prairie Methodist Church In Wilson County. Betty had many loving qualities. Everyone always felt welcome in her home as if they were the most important person in the world. She loved her God, and was well known for saying “Praise the Lord”. She was church historian, and held many positions in the various churches.
Betty is survived by:
Children:
Edward McMillen and wife Connie of Anacortes, WA
Sandra Stewart and husband John “Chip” of Las Vegas, NV
Linda Goodson and husband Harry of Edwards, MO
Glen Lee McMillen and wife Charlotte of Chanute, KS
Judy Dillow and husband Ernie of Chanute, KS
Alice Myers and husband Bob of Humboldt, KS
Daughter-In-Law: Kathy McMillen of Derby, KS
Sister:
Carol Lea Rhodes of Ft. Dodge, IA
Sister-in-Law:
Mary McMillen of Chanute, Ks
18 Grandchildren
32 Great Grandchildren
1 Great-Great Grandchild
10 Step Great Grandchildren
5 Step Great-Great Grandchildren
Numerous Cousins, Nieces and Nephews
From the union of Gene and Betty, there are 97 immediate family members with that number growing.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gene McMillen; youngest son, Kent McMillen; and brothers, Johnny Thielen and Charles Thielen.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 11 from 5:00-8:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Chanute. The funeral service will be held Thursday, April 12 at 10:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Neosho County Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute. Betty will be wearing her charm necklace with the names of all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren that she started over 50 years ago when her first two grandchildren were born. Also she will be wearing her custom made bracelet that was made from Gene’s wedding ring.
Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to Zion Methodist Cemetery Monument Fund and can be left with or mailed to Countryside Funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 16 N. Forest, Chanute, KS 66720.
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