1936 - 2023
MILFORD – Elizabeth M. “Betty” Virtell, 86, of Milford, passed away January 20, 2023, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.
She was born November 9, 1936, at home in the Town of Middlefield, the daughter of Raymond C. and Aneitabelle (Decker) Miller.
Betty was employed as a nurse’s aide for several years at The Meadows. She then worked several years at The Otesaga Hotel as a chambermaid/night supervisor, and later transferred to The Cooper Inn where she worked until retirement.
Betty is survived by two sons, William R. Miller, Sr. (Kittypearl) of Milford, Donald A. Virtell (Audrie) of Milford; one daughter, Donna A. Thorn (John) of Roseboom; and her daughters-in-law, Lorraine Nelson of Roseboom and Donna Virtell of Marcy. She is also survived by several grandchildren, great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Betty enjoyed Bingo, playing cards, and watching her Westerns and her soap operas. She was an avid bowler for many years. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Aneitabelle (1978); father, Raymond (1984); her first husband, Wesley O. Nelson and her second husband, James L. Virtell (1992); two sons, Robert James Virtell (2003) and Wesley O. Nelson (2007); a daughter, Shari L. Richards (2011); son-in-law, Lawrence D. “Lannie” Richards (2022); a granddaughter, Samantha; and her good friend Ernest Blanchard.
Family and friends are invited to attend a gathering to remember Betty’s life from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Milford Fire House.
For those who wish to remember Betty with a memorial donation, her family suggests the Milford Fire Department and Emergency Squad, PO Box 359, Milford, NY 13807.
The Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown is serving the family.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
