Elizabeth E. “Betty” Miles, 70, of Salem, a former longtime Granite resident, died Dec. 29, 2004, after a long battle with lung disease.
At her request, there will be no memorial service.
She was born on Lopus Island, Wash., on Oct. 26, 1934, and spent her early years in the Puget Sound area.
She married James L. Miles on Nov. 3, 1956. Jim was in the U.S. Air Force.
As a military family, they lived in Japan for several years where they adopted two daughters, Tammie from Japan and Linda from South Korea. They returned to the United States and moved to South Carolina, then Idaho and Alaska before finally settling in Oregon in 1974.
In 1977, Jim and Betty purchased 10 acres at Granite and began the long process of constructing their own home. Jim died in 1989 and Betty continued to live in Granite until 1996, when for health reasons, she relocated to La Grande. She moved to Salem in 1997.
Betty was a remarkable person, strong-willed and independent. These characteristics and her faith helped her battle the challenges of her lung disease.
Although she was tethered to an oxygen tank, she swam laps and when that became too difficult, she did water aerobics. She remained as active as possible.
In recent months, when she was no longer able to do water aerobics, she was content to do puzzles. She made the most out of difficult situations.
Betty was a member of McEwen Bible Fellowship at Sumpter and later attended the Salem First Church of the Nazarene. She had a zest for life, enjoyed meeting new people and was open to trying new adventures and challenges. Betty loved to garden, cook, and was involved in many crafts and hobbies.
Survivors include her two daughters and sons-in-law, Tammie and Edward Offia of Portland and Linda and Richard Fenske of Salem; four grandchildren, Jamie, Elizabeth, Angie and Adam; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, Union Gospel, American Lung Association or a charity of one’s choice.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, January 7, 2005
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor