Betty Miller, 85, of Stafford, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, after a brief battle with kidney cancer. Born on August 8, 1940, in Crozet, Virginia, to William and Gladys Harris Miller, Betty lived a life brimming with creativity, generosity, and devotion to others.

A dedicated professional, Betty began her career in insurance and after running a cleaning business in Charlottesville, Virginia, spent many years working in an ophthalmologist’s office before joining the University of Virginia Hospital as a medical secretary. There, she served across several departments, including surgery and oncology, and developed lasting friendships with colleagues and patients alike. Her true passion, however, was the theatre. She began as an actress playing Aunt Abby in Arsenic and Old Lace at Albemarle High School. She reprised her role as Aunt Abby at Four County Players where she performed to rave reviews in Toys in The Attic and many other productions. Betty founded and ran Entrée Act, a traveling theatre troupe specializing in murder mysteries. She was not only the producer and a playwright but also managed marketing, costuming, and staging. Bringing a story to life for an audience brought her immense joy, and she poured her heart into every production.

Known for her generous spirit, Betty shared her gifts freely—especially her baking. She loved making cookies for the local firefighters and rarely arrived at a doctor’s appointment empty-handed. Betty also had a remarkable talent for decoration and creativity, evident in her beautifully designed church bulletin boards. She famously transformed the entrance for a “Narnia” production at Four County Players into a magical world of snow, glowing lights, and fur coats. Her flair for decoration infused her home where she used farm implements, antiques, and unique décor to create a warm and welcoming environment.

A proud supporter of UVA athletics, Betty’s enthusiasm for her beloved Cavaliers was legendary. Her home, much like her office, overflowed with orange and blue. Visitors to her office at UVA often thought it was a gift store.

Betty was an active member of Summit Presbyterian Church in Stafford, Virginia where she served on several committees and helped with Vacation Bible School each year. The highlight of her summers was designing and decorating the story room, figuring out what her costume would be, and then reading stories to the children. She also spent many years in the choir where she celebrated the joy of community and singing. 

Betty is survived by her children, Shawn Firth and Heather Firth and her beloved grandchildren, Damien Lior and Miller Arehart-Firth. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Firth, brother Bill Miller, sister Norma Stone, and her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, December 11, at 3 p.m. at Summit Presbyterian Church a 256 Shelton Shop Road in Stafford, Virginia, with a potluck to follow. Bright colors are encouraged in honor of Betty’s joyful spirit.

While her passing leaves an ache in many hearts, her light continues to inspire all who knew her.

Submitted by Connie Crenshaw.