1933-2024

Betty Miller Simonds, 90, resident of Mercer Island, WA, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024. Born in Texas, Betty was the daughter of the late Lula and the late Bert Miller. Born in 1933, Betty’s family relocated to the Portland, Oregon area when she was a preteen, and Betty later chose to attend the University of Oregon, where she studied Speech Therapy and received a Bachelor of Science in 1955. She was also a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and remained friends with many of her sisters till her death.

Betty practiced Speech Therapy until 1962 when a blind date led her to meet Robert (Bob) Simonds. They married quickly and a single child, Monika was born seven short years later. After a few years, they relocated to Sunnyvale, California, where Betty raised Monika, and Bob did research in Aeronautical Engineering. During this time, Betty enjoyed many trips to Tahoe to downhill ski with Bob and Monika, as well as play tennis, and teach many Girl Scouts the importance of Needlework and other merit badge worthy endeavors. In 1981, Betty and family moved to Mercer Island, WA, where Betty continued to enjoy tennis, skiing, needlepoint, singing, acting, and knitting. Also, since they were much closer to the University of Oregon, she and Bob were able to attend many U of O football games! She also served as a volunteer for the Mercer Island Women’s Club (where she raised over $6000 in an auction and chaired the publication of a cookbook) and was active in the Mercer Island Beach Club. Betty could not be a passive joiner in any instance, whenever she was in a group of any kind she dove right in.

She is survived by her daughter, Monika and will be dearly missed.