Amesbury Ma — Ethel M. (Butland) Miller of Amesbury passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 18 in Portsmouth, NH. She was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Albert James (A.J.) of Seabrook NH in 1993.
She is survived by her three children, Donna L. Miller of No. Hampton, NH; Edward T. Miller and wife Barbara of Portsmouth, NH; and Sandra J. Steck and husband Dr. Rob along with two grandchildren Cody Bryce and Austin James of Holland, MI. She is survived by one sister, Doris L. Vynorius of West Newbury. Gone ahead are brother-in-law William W. (Bill) Vynorius and brothers Albert of Newton, NH, Leonard of Epping, NH, and Clarence Jr. (Bucky) Butland of Amesbury. Surviving them are wives (respectively) Marnie (Smith), Janet (Gamble), and Carol (Wilkinson) Butland. Several nieces and nephews.
Ethel was born and brought up in Amesbury, where she attended and graduated from Amesbury High School in 1946. She worked at Towle Silver in Newburyport. Her hobbies included roller skating and stock car racing in the "Powderpuff" derbies where she competed under the name of "Cannonball Butland." In addition, she and A.J. rarely missed a weekend of dancing, usually at Lane's Ten Acres in Merrimac.
She was a devoted mother, never missing a sporting event or school activity that her children were involved with. She also served as an officer for the Winnacunnet High School Football Boosters. Ethel also enjoyed long and rewarding retail sales careers with Tres Chic Wigs and Sarah Coventry Jewelry. Other organizations she belonged to were the Rebekah's, The American Legion, The Moose and Elks Clubs.
She and her husband A.J retired to Seminole, FL in 1985 where they enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors; playing cards and attending various functions at the Legion and V.F.W. In addition, Ethel spent most of her Sundays cheering on the New England Patriots of which she was an avid fan.
ARRANGEMENTS: A Memorial Service to celebrate Ethel's life will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to SolAmor Hospice, 65 Lafayette Road, No Hampton NH 03862. OnLine guestbook can be found at McHughfuneralhome.com.
