Betty Miller Simonds
1933 – 2024
Betty Miller Simonds, 90, resident of Mercer Island, WA, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024. Born in Stratford, Texas, a city located in the panhandle of Texas, Betty was the daughter of the late Lula and the late Bert Miller. Born July 7, 1933, Betty’s family relocated to the Portland, Oregon area when she was a preteen, and Betty later chose to attend the University of Oregon, where she studied Speech Therapy and received a Bachelor of Science in 1955. She was also a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and remained friends with many of her sisters till her death.
Betty practiced Speech Therapy until 1962 when a blind date led her to meet Robert (Bob) Simonds. They married quickly and a single child, Monika was born seven short years later. After a few years, they relocated to Sunnyvale, California, where Betty raised Monika, and Bob did research in Aeronautical Engineering. During this time, Betty enjoyed many trips to Tahoe to downhill ski with Bob and Monika, as well as play tennis, and teach many Girl Scouts the importance of Needlework and other merit badge worthy endeavors.
In 1981, Betty and family moved to Mercer Island, WA, where Bett y continued to enjoy tennis, skiing, needlepoint, singing, acting, and knitting. Also, since they were much closer to the University of Oregon, she and Bob were able to attend many U of O football games! She also served as a volunteer for the Mercer Island Women’s Club (where she raised over $6000 in an auction and chaired the publication of a cookbook) and was active in the Mercer Island Beach Club.
Betty could not be a passive joiner in any instance, whenever she was in a group of any kind, she dove right in. She is survived by her daughter, Monika and will be dearly missed.
2 Responses to “Betty Miller Simonds”
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Monica, I received the obituary notice of Betty today. I scanned down and read more of her life. Betty and I had not corresponded recently so I had not kept up with the highlights of her life. I thank you for all the information. Yes, I was a Tri Delt in the class ahead of her. Perhaps she noted the special times shared as a member. I’m sure she will be missed.
Joan Cartozian Humphries
I knew Betty and Bob for many years, meeting at the Beach Club. Betty liked to play tennis with us. We had many good times, and I had not seen Betty now for several years, as I had an ill husband, and with Covid, etc.
Thanks for sharing this information. A friend called me as she saw it on like and thought it would be in the Reporter.