Bette Miller

Bette Maxine McWilliams was born to Paul Edward McWilliams and Vera Maxine Mart McWilliams on February 3, 1938 and passed from this life on March 1, 2020. Bette was raised on a family farm near Derby, Iowa where she loved working with her dad in the field and with animals, especially her horse Sparkle. She attended a country school through 8th grade and finished high school in Osceola.

In 1960, she married Eldred Farlow who was in the Navy and stationed in Panama. He adopted her three boys from a previous marriage and in 1962, had another son. Years later, after Eldred’s death, Bette married John G. Smith who helped finish raising her boys. They were married 36 years. She worked for Hy Vee for ten years and as a school cook for fifteen years before retiring. She was married to Denny Miller on September 11, 2011.

Bette held music dear in her life. She sang with her sisters and with various country groups throughout and one of the highlights of her life was singing seven years with the gospel music of Larry and the Messengers. She attended the First Christian Church for many years and taught Bible School and Sunday School.

She is survived by her husband, Denny Miller of Osceola, IA; her four sons, Jim Farlow (Paula) of Osceola, IA, Randy Farlow (Carolyn) of Ankeny, IA, Jeff Reynolds of Van Wert, IA and Rick Farlow (Stacey) of Osceola, IA. Also surviving are her brother, Dick McWilliams of Osceola, IA; sisters, Kathy Richards (Jim) and Marilyn Wilkins (Steve) all of Osceola, IA, stepbrother, Don Klemme of Des Moines, IA;, step-sister-in-law, June Klemme of Des Moines, IA and stepsons, Don Miller of Ames, IA and Steve Miller (Pennie) of Nevada, IA. She had ten grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; and numerous members of her extended family as well as abundant friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; all her aunts and uncles and sister-in-law, Juanita McWilliams and step-brother, Bill Klemme.

Services will be held at Kale Funeral Home - Osceola, Friday March 6, 2020 at 11:00 am with Rev. Dr. Al Adams officiating.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, March 5, 2020 at Kale Funeral Home.

Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery

Memorial contributions may be directed to Clarke County Animal Shelter

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com