Bette Jo Stanich

Bette Jo Stanich (Miller) passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones on February 17th.  She was born in San Diego, CA on September 18, 1944, to Charles B. and Anne Miller.   She graduated from Ladywood High School in 1962.  She went on to work at Blocks Department Store downtown as an elevator girl.  She later married the love of her life, Michael Stanich, in 1966.  She went on to work at several other jobs before she chose to take on her favorite job, a stay-at-home mother to her two dear children, Charles David and Karen Ann Stanich.

To know her was to love her, and if she loved you, you were one of the lucky ones.  She was a second mom or Aunt Bette to so many.  Bette’s smile was contagious. Whether you saw her running one of her infamous Speedway garage sales, working at the local antique mall or Kohls, throwing or attending a party, her smile could make your heart smile. She exuded warmth and comfort and always welcomed you into her home. 

When she wasn’t sewing someone a costume or decorating for a holiday, Bette could be found shopping (pretty sure she knew the HSN phone number by heart!), canning a million cans of peaches and tomatoes, or enjoying one of her favorite sweets. 

Bette was a fighter. Her strength and resilience were seen by all who witnessed her defy the odds these past few years. Even in death, she left this earth on her terms. While so many hearts are saddened and will miss her radiant energy, she was at peace with being reunited with her beloved son, Charlie, and Nana. 

Bette was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anne Miller, grandparents, Anna Myrrhl and Clarence Miller, sister, Karen Crowe, and son, Charles Stanich.  She is survived by her husband, Michael Stanich, daughter, Karen Stanich, brothers Jack (Sandy) Miller and Bobby (Carolyn) Crouch, and her best friend of 62 years, Nancy Thompson.  She leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as, her precious granddaughter, Chanel.  

Services will be held at Flanner Buchanan in Speedway on Saturday, February 24, 2024.  Visitation will be from 12-2 PM with services immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bette’s memory to the Broadripple-Haverford Little League.