Bertha "Betty" Theresa Miller, 89, loving wife of Herbert J. Miller, of Skowhegan, ME, died on Dec. 3, 2002 at home. She was born Oct. 30, 1913 in Queens, the second daughter of Charles and Sarah (Vigotty) Bruns.

Bertha grew up and lived most of her life on Long Island. She graduated from high school in Hollis, Queens. On June 1, 1943, Bertha became the wartime bride of Herbert J. Miller, who survives here after 59 years of marriage. She and Herbert lived in Mineola for 53 years before moving to Maine to be near their daughter.

As a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Williston Park, Betty served in the choir and was active in the Ladies' Aid. She enjoyed her volunteer work preparing cancer dressings for the American Cancer Society, collecting for the American Heart Association and as a den mother for the Cub Scouts.

Bertha took pride in her work as a sales associate for Abraham and Strauss in NYC, and her wartime defense work, and later as a bus driver for handicapped school children. In her free time she enjoyed crocheting and reading and with her culinary skills warmed many family gatherings.

Those who knew her will remember her warm heart and lovely smile, how she was always ready to listen, accepting others as themselves.

Bertha was predeceased by sisters Blanche (Bruns) Bissinger, Marjorie Bruns and Lydia Bruns; brothers Charles Bruns and William Bruns. She is survived by her husband Herbert; sister Sarah (Bruns) Bott of Tallahassee, FL; daughter Gloria (Miller) Nicholson (Robert) of Norridgewock, ME; son Richard Miller (Ellen) of Savannah, NY; and six loving granchildren, John Nicholson, Robert Nicholson, Jesse Miller, Sarah Nicholson, James Nicholson and Valerie Miller; special nieces, Carol Trksak (George) of Coram and Sandra Keller of Tallahassee.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Waterville, MD. Interment will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta, ME.