Elizabeth Ross Miers

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” -Romans 12:10A life well-lived is a precious gift of hope, strength, and grace, and the life of Elizabeth (Betsy) Ross Miers was just that. At the mere age of 105, on September 21, 2025, Betsy took the hand of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and went to her heavenly home. We celebrate the life she lived and the grace she gave and leaves behind.Betsy’s life began, February 19, 1920, in Buffalo Ridge located in Patrick County, Virginia. Stories she tells of her childhood and experiences she enjoyed reminds you of a Norman Rockwell painting. Her family moved to Martinsville when she was ten and there she attended Martinsville City schools, Elementary through High School. She earned a degree in Elementary Education from Madison College now known as James Madison University, and she never hesitated to say, “Those were the happiest years!”During her life, Betsy was a devout Christian, a loving wife, an extraordinary mother, a wonderful homemaker, and a beloved teacher.In 1947, Betsy married Harold Ellsworth Miers. They shared 50 years together raising their two children, working to build a comfortable life, attending First Baptist Church; where they were both faithful servants, enjoying the many friendships they made, and welcomed two adorable grandsons.Betsy taught in the Martinsville City School System for 30 years. She took an 11 year sabbatical in the middle of her teaching career when her two children were born. During that time she ran a Kindergarten program in the basement of her home. She touched many lives and made lasting impressions on the students she taught.For 95 years, Betsy was a member of the First Baptist Church. She became a Sunday School Teacher ~ teaching all ages. The Winsome Adult Ladies Sunday School Class became her permanent teaching assignment for over 20 years. She was active in almost every moving part of the church, President of the WMU, served on the New Pastor Search Committee, one of four women to first serve as a Deacon, head of the Bereavement Committee, and served on many other church committees. Many visiting preachers and missionaries to the First Baptist Church were hosted in Betsy’s home. When she was unable to attend Church in person, she attended virtually every Sunday and continued to serve on the prayer committee. It was important to Betsy to keep up with the happenings at the Church and especially knowing about her church family she so dearly loved. She touched the lives of everyone she met as it was evident Jesus’s love was embedded deep in her soul. Family was the utmost importance to her. She lovingly cared for her parents, brothers, and sisters during their lifetimes. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were recipients of her unconditional love, as well. Friends were a joy in her life, there were many who held a special place in her heart. Being 105, most are waiting for her to join them in heaven - what a fabulous reunion that must have been!“Let’s play bridge!” Betsy was always willing and ready! She LOVED the game of bridge. She was an excellent player and belonged to several bridge groups. She continued to play until the age of 104 and reluctantly gave up playing when macular degeneration compromised her sight. Her nephew, Paul and friends ~ Betty and Nancy helped her play as long as she could.Reading brought her great joy, whether it was a good book (she loved biographies), a magazine, the newspaper (she read the Martinsville Bulletin and Roanoke Times front to back everyday ~ especially enjoying her friends in the comic section), recipe books, etc… and this made her knowledgeable in so many realms of life. She was a great conversationalist and it was a joy to be around her. The Thursday Book Club, Garden Club, DRA Society, The Delta Kappa Gamma National Teacher Society (she held the office of President), and volunteering for Contact ~ an organization that provided anonymous call in assistance to anyone needing spiritual, financial, domestic, or mental help in the community, were groups that enriched her life greatly.Upon retiring, the desire to learn continued. Betsy, began researching the Tea Houses that were in and around Martinsville. With her findings, she was asked by book clubs, Red Hat Society, and other organizations to give presentations. She also spent time learning about ways to stay healthy in aging, it definitely paid off in her circumstances ~105 years old.Recognition is given to Angus Conner, a longtime friend, who kept Betsy’s house in order. She was always willing to assist in anyway needed and brought flowers regularly, as she knew how much Betsy loved fresh flowers in the house. She is greatly appreciated and loved.Much gratefulness and love is given to Gayle Mullahy for her loving care and devotion to Betsy during her final months.Jim, her favorite son-in-law, took her to appointments and enjoyed lunches together.Her daughter, Martha, lovingly helped care for her mother during her failing health.Charlie, her devoted son, took wonderful daily care of his Mother, which allowed her to live comfortably to 105 - Thank You.Mountain Valley Hospice was a source of comfort, support, and guidance during Betsy’s declining days. They are so appreciated by the family.Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Brewster and Martha Mackenzie Ross, her husband, Harold Ellsworth Miers, three brothers; Claude Buren Ross, Conrad Lee Ross, and Guy Warren Ross, and three sisters; Mrs. Broddus (Carita) Gravely, Mrs. Thomas (Lillian) Tatum, and Mrs. Wilmer (Louise) Noble.Surviving are one son, Charles William Miers of Martinsville, VA and one daughter, Martha Miers (Jim) Anderson of Penhook, VA, two grandsons; Ross Baskervill (Katy) Anderson of Hatboro, PA and James Mackenzie (Evan) Anderson of Ashland, VA, six great-grandchildren; Chase, Zachary, Bryce, and Kaylee Anderson of Hatboro, PA, and James (Jimmy) and Mackenzie Anderson of Ashland, Va. One niece, Jean Matthews of Martinsville, VA and one nephew, Paul (Pat) Ross of Basset, VA. One step niece, Louise Lindsey of Martinsville, VA. Also surviving are 5 great nieces and nephews and one great step niece.A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Martinsville. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am and will be officiated by Reverend Dr. Michael Hatfield and Reverend Dr. Libby Brammer. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park.Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Martinsville, 23 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, Va. 24112. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” ~John 15:12Betsy followed this command every day of her life ~ what a wonderful legacy to leave!McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com