Betty Miller

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near

Obituary

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.

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Memory wall

December 13, 2025

The members and supporters of the Albemarle High School Alumni Association were very sorry to hear about Mrs. Miller's passing. It is always sad to lose a member of the Albemarle family, and we offer our condolences to her family and friends.

Albemarle High School Alumni Association

December 11, 2025

I will always cherish the time I got to spend with Betty. As some know, I first met Betty when I was 16 years old after answering an audition ad in the Free Lance Star in 2001/2002. We always laughed about the fact that my mom accompanied me to Betty’s house that first audition, because as Betty said “[Your Mom] didn’t know if I was a murderer or what!” Of course Betty was the sweetest, most welcoming person who gave me (a young aspiring actress) a chance to develop skills and a deep love for the performing arts at such a young age. As I grew up, Betty provided an outlet for life frustrations or silly spats with my parents. She was a safe space. She would offer cookies, tea, and life advice as I laughed or cried. She watched me grow up as I joined the military, come home, became a mother, and start a family of my own; she was always just- there. She became the reason I continued to do murder mystery dinner theater. She made it fun, fed us and was the glue connecting our Entree Act family members: past and present. I feel so blessed to have been able to know Betty in this life. We love you Betty - until we meet again. A Toast!

Melina Kessler

December 11, 2025

I've been struggling to find the words to properly express the deep loss my family and I are feeling with the passing of Betty. Not only did she provide me with an opportunity to act, but she also gave me the chance to step out of my comfort zone. With Entree Act, I had to learn to be bold and learn how to think (and block), on the fly. I don't think I'd have been able to do that without Betty's guidance. She always brought out our best, just by encouraging us to own the character, and make it ours. Betty was one of my dearest, closest friends (and, jokingly, wife #4). She was so much fun to act, and interact with, on and off stage. There was lots of love and laughter, in rehearsal, and during the shows. Her portrayals of the multiple characters she played showed her comedic timing and incredible inner strength. What an amazing person! Those of us who knew and loved Betty are still numbed by the loss.

Jeff Widor

December 11, 2025

There are not many aspects of my life that remain untouched by Ms. Betty. She was caring and boisterous, loving and funny. There are so many foods that I won't be able to eat without thinking of her: carrot cake, potato soup, and butternut squash soup just to name a few. She taught me how to make macaroni and cheese, the real kind not from a box, and she taught me that cooking is about feeling, not following a recipe. I'll never set foot on a stage or go to the theatre without thinking of her.

I hope that I can be like Ms. Betty; that I keep my zest for life and never stop doing what I love with the people that I love.

Gina Marie (Shannon)

December 10, 2025

I met Betty through Entre Act. I was one of her actors for many years. From there, we became friends and she and I would have long conversations after rehearsals. One of my favorite memories of her is from one of our plays, where she's supposed to be playing someone who was angry with me. I could never stop laughing when she would get all stern-faced and imposing. We had to change how that scene played out as a result. She was just too damned funny.

Jason Lamey

December 8, 2025

We met and became friends, however, with Betty, friends never lasted because her friends always turned into family. Her personality was big, her heart was bigger. Missing her greatly!

Marshalls

December 8, 2025

I was saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. We performed in many shows together at Four County Players in Barboursville. She was like a second mom/grandmom to me and my daughters. I feel privileged that Betty came into my life.

Stephanie Hess

December 4, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of this loss. I will always be grateful to have met Betty! To share laughs with her was a highlight of my time at Summit. What a wonderful individual she was! I know she will be missed!

KellieMcCall

December 1, 2025

To Betty. I miss you already. You have slipped away ahead of me, my friend - my confidant who always thoughtfully listened; You who spoke your mind on important subjects vigorously! You who stamped your own brand of creativity on all things, people, and communities in which you lived. You, a giver of your time and any bit of treasure you thought you could share.
In our short time as friends we determined we should live the lives of ‘Butch and Sundance’ and rob banks simply for the excitement! So now you are Home with the One who made you and me. Sigh, lean in, and sing with the angels my dear, and don’t go on too awfully much about the Orange and Blue. I will see you again, then we will laugh and laugh together as good friends do.

Carolyn Stiltner

December 1, 2025

So sad to hear of Betty's passing. She was undoubtedly one of a kind & ornery - and I loved that. I will miss her greatly, especially at VBS. Prayers for healing for the family. Trust in the Lord!

Robert Heidelbach

November 28, 2025

Betty was one of my favorite people! I enjoyed working with her at the surgery clinic at UVA, then singing in the choir with her at Summit Presbyterian Church. I laughed so hard at her antics in her plays. She was so fun and lived life to the fullest. I will really miss her. My prayers are with the family.

Julia Dickerson

November 28, 2025

I have missed and thought of Betty almost every day since we left Stafford, Va. My dear friend and often confidant in crime. I miss your fun spirit and sparkle in your eye. We shall meet again, dear lady.

Eva Wehrle

Family tree

Wellington Comer Miller

Carrie Belew Miller

Emmet Harris

Margaret Harris

William Gardner Miller

Gladys Harris Miller

Robert A. Firth

William “Bill” Miller

Norma Miller Stone

Shawn Firth

Heather Firth

Children

Damien Lior

Miller Arehart-Firth

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William “Bill” Miller

Norma Miller Stone

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Robert A. Firth

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Shawn Firth

Heather Firth

Damien Lior

Miller Arehart-Firth

Betty Miller

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