Betty Luntey

Betty (Milliken, Brodie) Luntey died peacefully September 16, 2016, in her own home which she designed and had built in Moss Creek. She was supported by her wonderful family and was comfortable and accepting that her 90 years journey had been a very satisfactory experience for her. She had so many special memories, which she shared, and was keen of mind up to the very end. She was an exceptional watercolor artist and exhibited in local galleries. Those who read obituaries know that someone must write them so this is how I see it.

I consider myself to be one of the luckiest people ever to walk this earth. Others have good fortune too, I’m sure.

But how many have been blessed with the opportunity to share their lives with two remarkable women who were best friends and to share the joys of our families over so many years.

I was 80 years old when I married Betty. I liked to say that ours was a dis-arranged marriage. No one in their right mind would marry a man 80 years old and no man in his right mind would marry someone with four kids and 10 grandkids.

But Betty and I had a pact. We resolved to enjoy every day for the rest of the lives which might be granted us. And that we did, in spite of her health problems of the past three years.

When I think back over all she has done in her life, the little girl who was born in Brooklyn and raised in Manhasset, NY, should be immensely proud of herself. She was very best ever mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She never missed a new birth, never missed a birthday or even an anniversary even when she was ill. It’s hard to keep track but that was some 39 people who got personal greetings and a check. No one else would do that—she was so thoughtful and so loved her family. She reveled in every new marriage and birth. That would be enough for one life.

But Betty has been much more than that. She has been a wonderful, loving wife for me for 15 very special years. Over all those years, I have raised flowers which she converted to unbelievable beautiful watercolor paintings which will continue to bring joy to so many over the future.

She made me so proud to be her husband. She has made the world a much better place. Her special qualities will live on in her wonderful family.

There will be a celebration of Betty’s life service at 4:00 PM, Monday, September 19, 2016 at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, Pope Avenue. Friends are welcome. She had her flowers when she could enjoy them. Donations in her honor would be welcome to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.