Bette Ruth Hill McMillan, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend, went to be with the Lord on April 2, 2011, at age 81. As a resident of Brownwood, Texas for over 45 years, she was an active member of her community and loved by all who knew her.
Bette was born on March 1, 1930 in Wetumka, Oklahoma to the late J.P. Hill and the late Marie Stevens Winston and Jesse Marshall “Skeet” Winston. After moving to Hockley County with her mother, step-father, and younger sister, the late Flo Rea Hill Welch of Roswell, New Mexico, she attended high school in Levelland where her talent as a Lobo twirler was quickly evident. While in school, she met the love of her life, the late Bobby Neal “Bob” McMillan. The couple wed on July 13, 1945 in Levelland. Shortly after marrying, they moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, where Bob completed basic training in the U.S. Army during World War II. Bette and Bob were happily married for sixty-four years.
Following the war, the couple moved back home to Levelland and then to Alpine, Texas a few years later, where Bob was enrolled at Sul Ross University. After receiving his degree, the couple relocated to Levelland, where Bob’s teaching and coaching career began. She remained a loyal and loving companion, moving with her husband to Richland Springs and Whiteface, where he coached football and basketball. When Bob accepted a position at Brownwood’s newly opened 3M plant in 1965, Bette began working for Howard Payne University, and then later at GTE and the Brownwood State School.
Bette was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Brownwood, where she found great companionship with Christ through her fellow members, in particular with the ladies of the Priscilla Sunday School class. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed her time spent with friends at the Senior Citizens Center of Brownwood.
However, Bette’s Christian spirit and selfless nature was most evident in how she loved her family. They were the most important aspect of her life, and her happiness and satisfaction was derived from the special and unique bond she shared with each member. Bette was an outstanding cook, and found such pleasure in family gatherings where a delicious meal prepared from family recipes and traditions passed down through generations was enjoyed. She was a devoted mother and wife, and was happiest at home caring for others.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Ron McMillan and wife Sally of Houston, Mike McMillan and wife Jo Anna of Marietta, Georgia, Craig McMillan and wife Trish of Richland Springs, and Marsha McMillan Crook, and husband Gary of Midland, Texas.
Her compassion and complete dedication to family was also evident in her loving relationships with each of her eleven grandchildren, Buffy McMillan Simpson and husband Jimmy of Brownwood, Tina McMillan of Fort Worth, Judson McMillan of Dallas, Ashlie McMillan Kerr and husband Andrew of Nashville, Tennessee, Brandt McMillan and wife Elizabeth of Nashville, Tennessee, Kate Irons Dorff and husband John of Dallas, Abbye Irons of Midland, Marsha McMillan of Fort Worth, Neil McMillan of Richland Springs, and John McMillan and Jesse McMillan, both of Houston. She is also survived by her seven great-grandchildren, Kent Simpson, USCG, and wife Brooke, formerly of Brownwood, Craig Simpson, USCG, formerly of Brownwood, Kitty Simpson Morrison and husband Lee of Brownwood, Presley Morris of Fort Worth, and Wallace, Emory, and Anderson Kerr of Nashville, Tennessee, and one great-great grandchild, Addison Morrison of Brownwood.
Bette’s gentle spirit and unending display of compassion and kindness will always be a perfect representation of how to serve Christ, family, and friends with selfless fortitude, unwavering faith, and a love beyond measure. Bette will be missed by all who knew her, but she will forever live in the hearts of those who loved her.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. Tom Bird for his loving treatment of Bette throughout the years, and to her extended family and the staff at the Chatfield Assisted Living Center, who provided Bette with a comfortable and compassionate home throughout her stay.
The family will receive friends and loved ones today, Sunday, April 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Davis-Morris Funeral Home, located at 800 Center Avenue in Brownwood. A memorial service will be held in her honor at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 4th at First Baptist Church of Brownwood, located at 208 Austin Avenue, immediately followed by laying her to rest beside her loving husband at Greenleaf Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home in Brownwood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in the name of Bette McMillan to the First Baptist Church of Brownwood
