HAMPDEN and BANGOR – Ruth Elizabeth “Betty” Millner, 82, passed away peacefully Aug. 23, 2010, at a Bangor health care facility. Betty was born Feb. 9, 1928, at the Kinsley House, currently the location of Hampden Historical Society, Hampden, the daughter of Pehr and Ruth Cole Peterson. At her birth, her father said, “We have enough Ruth’s, we should call her Betty.” Betty attended the McKinley and Hannibal Hamlin schools in Hampden, and was a 1946 graduate of Hampden Academy. Upon graduation, she went to work for Bangor Hydro and continued there until 1956. She then married Ralph Millner of Veazie. Betty had a great love for the town of Hampden. She was the chairperson for the town’s 175th anniversary celebration in 1969 and the bicentennial celebration in 1976. She was a cofounder with Faye Shook of Hampden Historical Society and became its first president. Her love for cooking came from her mother, and was evident in the many fund raising events held at Hampden Historical Society. Betty loved flower arranging and gardening as she was a life member of Hampden Garden Club and was the state secretary at one time. Betty was a member of Hampden Highlands United Methodist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 4633, Hampden. Betty will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and friend to all. Betty is survived by her daughter, Nancy McAvoy and husband, Rodney, of Hermon; two grandchildren, Cory Brandon McAvoy of Hermon and Jennifer McAvoy and fiance, Ben Holland, of Brewer; and a special cousin, Avis E. Earley and husband, Charles, of Virginia and Brownville. Betty was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Millner. A graveside service for close family and friends will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at Locust Grove Cemetery, Main Road South, Hampden, with the Rev. David Nicol officiating. Memorial contributions in Betty’s honor may be made to Harmony Hall Restoration Project, care of Hampden Garden Club, 8 Dewey St., Hampden, ME 04444; Hampden Historical Society, P.O. Box 456, Hampden, ME 04444; or Hampden Highlands United Methodist Church, 44 Kennebec Road, Hampden, ME 04444. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com. <
RUTH E. MILLNER ‘BETTY’
