BETTE MAXINE (MILLER) VALLEY, 89, died Saturday, March 31, 2012 in Albany, Oregon. She was born March 30, 1923 in Paulina, Oregon, the daughter of Lyle and May (McCullough) Miller.



Bette graduated from Crook County High School in Prineville, Oregon, class of 1940. Following graduation, she attended St. Helen's Hall (a women's junior college in Portland) and the University of Oregon in Eugene. She majored in journalism. During WWII she worked in the Portland shipyards as an industrial photographer. Photography remained a lifelong interest. Bette was also a wonderful cook, voracious reader and avid gardener.



She married her high school sweetheart, Arthur F. Valley, after he returned from World War II. They celebrated 68 years of marriage on March 7 of this year. Bette and Art lived most of their married life in Bend, Oregon in the home Art built. They moved to Albany about two years ago to be closer to their son.



Bette is survived by her beloved husband Art; her son, Steve Valley and his wife Robin Keen of Albany; daughter, Jan Lackermann and her husband William of Dayton, Ohio; four grandchildren: Kristi Steeprow and her husband Mike of Sherwood, Oregon; Captain Katie Lackermann (U.S. Army) of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Karen Lackermann of Madison, Wisconsin; Steve Lackermann of Falls Church, Virginia; two great-grandchildren, Max and Megan Steeprow; one brother, Pat Miller and his wife Naida of Paulina, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.



AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home in Albany handled the arrangements. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later time. Family and friends are invited to honor her life on her memorial website at www.aasum-dufour.com . The family suggests memorial donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.