Betty Lindsay

Betty Lindsay, 80, of Flat Rock, IL, died at 10:05 p.m. on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN. Her song has ended, but her melody lingers on in the hearts of her friends and family. Her song began on Christmas Day, 1937 following her family’s Christmas dinner. She was born in her grandmother’s house in Sumner, IL, a house that still stands to this day. Her parents, John Franklin Miller & Dot D. (Nuttall) Miller-Hart, originally planned to name her “Mary Christmas Miller”, but this was quickly switched to “Betty Christine”. From an early age, she displayed a work ethic that would serve her well the rest of her life. She went to work at the age of 13, waitressing at Marguerite’s Café in Flat Rock for 25 cents an hour. She especially loved working the soda fountain, and this is where she would meet the love of her life, Billy Lindsay. They would marry on December 31, 1955 and soon after moved to Harvard, IL, where they started their family. They moved back to Flat Rock in the early 60s, where she continued to dedicate her life to caring for her husband, children, and the home they shared. Eventually, she re-entered the work force, at first, with L.S. Heath & Sons and then Victor-Dana, where she was one of the first five people hired. Over her 39 years there, she worked her way up to operating the punch-press before taking an early retirement to care for her son, John. Her co-workers fondly remember the countless cards she made for them for various occasions. She truly enjoyed crafting these, as it allowed her to exercise her artistic side. On top of having a full-time job and raising children and grandchildren, she also was a force to be reckoned with on the farm and worked side-by-side with Billy for years. Away from work, she could almost always be found in either her garden or her kitchen. Her tomatoes were a thing of beauty, and they were often used in her many delicious recipes. There wasn’t a dish she made that wasn’t absolutely delicious. Betty’s noodles and fudge in particular were the stuff of legend, and her family and friends were the fortunate beneficiaries of her gift. They will remember a fearless, self-made woman who lived a life of honesty and integrity. Betty is survived by her husband of nearly 63 years, Billy Lindsay (Flat Rock, IL); by her daughter, Kathy & husband Keith Boyer (Lawrenceville, IL); by her sons, Bill & wife Jill Lindsay (Lawrenceville, IL) and John Lindsay (Vincennes, IN); by her grandchildren, Kehrt, Matthew, Austin, Mindy, and Colt; by two sisters & brothers-in-law, Patty Potter (Flat Rock, IL) and Susan & Randy Burtch (Robinson, IL); two brothers & a sister-in-law, Jackie Miller (Flat Rock, IL), and David & Phyllis Miller (Flat Rock, IL); her half-brother, Bob & Pat Miller (Indianapolis, IN); by several nieces and nephews; and by her good friend of over 70 years, Iona Rich (Flat Rock, IL). She was preceded in death by her parents; by her daughter, Lisa Lindsay-Young & husband Dr. Stephen Young; by her half-sisters, Verna, Neva, Bernice, Doris, Bernadeen, and Zelma; and by her half-brothers, Leon, John Albert, and Loren. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 24th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 25th at the funeral home with her brother, Dave Miller officiating the service. Her family suggests that attendees come wearing something green in honor of both Betty and Lisa. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the “Linda E. White Hospice House” with envelopes available at the funeral home.