Bette Wolens Miller
Bette Wolens Miller, 91, known as “Mom” and “BeBe” by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully on Aug. 25, 2024. Bette’s courage, determination and grace were on full display right to the end of her 14-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia. She was passionate about her family, dedicated to serving others and characterized by her humility, strong will and deep kindness.
Bette was born in Corsicana, on Dec. 31, 1932, to her parents, Joe and Marie Wolens. She graduated from Hockaday School in 1950 and attended The University of Texas at Austin. She and her husband of 61 years, Bennett I. Miller, who passed away in 2013, started their family in New York City before moving to Corsicana and eventually Dallas, where she lived for the majority of her life. Bette’s family describes her as a nurturer, lifelong volunteer, mentor to many, always caring for others, disciplined and compassionate. In 2020, at age 87, she moved to St. Louis.
Bette dedicated herself to her family, her community and countless organizations and causes. Throughout her life, she carried on her parents’ legacy of supporting and giving her time to organizations and causes dear to her heart. Her strong work ethic and quiet determination had a profound impact on a local, national and international level. Bette held board positions with a long list of organizations. Her most impactful work was with the National Council of Jewish Women and the Kalman and Ida Wolens Foundation. She was a recipient of six nonprofit awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award with the NCJW Greater Dallas Section, recognizing more than 50 years of leadership and service. Her example will continue to serve as an inspiration for her family and friends.
Bette was preceded in death by her husband, Bennett Miller; sisters, Dorothy Block and Marjorie (“Sissie”) Milkes; and grandson, Samuel Miller. Bette is survived by her children, Kerry Miller (Leslie), Jennifer Hillman (Tom), Elka Kopp (Alex); grandchildren, Amber Winter (Jason), Adrienne Miller, Alyssa Miller, Max Hillman (Abby), Ben Hillman (Claire), Natalie Hillman; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Evan, Carlito, Cameron, Lucas, Sam and Jack; as well as sister-in-law Betsy Landis; brother-in-law Martin Miller; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends.
Bette was profoundly grateful for her care team, led by Dr. Ramzi Abboud, at Washington University Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis.
The family requests contributions be made to: (1) NCJW Greater Dallas, 16910 Dallas Pkwy. #104, Dallas, TX 75248; (2) Blood Cancer Research Fund at Siteman Cancer Center at WashU Medicine, MSC 1082-414-2555, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105. Please indicate the gift is to the Blood Cancer Center Fund in memory of Bette Miller by writing a memo on your check, or online at giving.wustl.edu/bettemiller. Gifts will be utilized at the discretion of Bette’s AML oncologist Dr. Ramzi Abboud; or (3) the charity of your choice.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, Aug. 27, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home. A private family burial followed. A video of the service can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/4534098.
Lewis Phillip Ring
Lewis Phillip Ring, 85, passed away Sept. 10, 2024. He was born Feb. 10, 1939, in New York City. At age 9, he moved to Dallas, where he lived most of his life. He attended Allen Military Academy. He graduated from Hillcrest High School and then attended Texas A&M University. He was a charter member at Echo Hill Ranch, a summer camp in Medina. Early in his career, he worked for Ring of Dallas, Gall, Zales and American Greetings. He served as a sergeant in the Dallas Police Reserves. Later in life, he became an entrepreneur by opening “Fashion Trends” and “Accessories Etc,” which were retail costume jewelry businesses. He later focused on selling furniture, eventually opening a consignment furniture store called “Changing Places.” In retirement, he installed doorbells and garage door keypads to stay busy.
Lewis had many hobbies and interests throughout his life including horseback riding, scuba diving, coin collecting and camping. He embraced his family and focused on the importance of togetherness for special occasions and holidays. He was always going places and doing things and cherished time with his family and friends. Even though he grappled with various medical conditions throughout his life, he overcame many obstacles along the way and always had a positive attitude.
He was predeceased by his parents, Bert and Daisy Ring; sister, Carole Bernon; and daughter, Karen Johnson.
He is survived by Sue, his wife of 32 years. He is also survived by his sons Steven (Susan) and Adam (Suzanne) Ring; stepchildren Greg Ebenholtz (Edith Torkiya), Leslie Bowen and Gayle Calderon; grandchildren Kokey Ring (Will Moreno), Jeff Ring, Nicholas (Hannah) Ring and Alyssa (Dan) Hart; step-grandchildren Isobel, Brigitte and Max Kenna, Isabella and Skylar Campbell, Arielle (Hannah) Pickett, Danielle Ebenholtz (Arifur Rahman), Scott (Jessica) Payne, Ryan and Julia Bowen and Derek Takanishi. He is also survived by his close friend, Jim Evans.
Arnold Schectman
Arnold Schectman, 96, died Sept. 10, 2024. He was blessed with a long life, a loving family and a peaceful ending.
Born in Brooklyn in 1927, he was the son of Harry and Julia Schectman.
Arnold entered the Navy on his 18th birthday. He became attached to the Second Marine Division, where he made lifelong friends. He later served as Post Commander of the Martin Hochster Post #755 of the Jewish War Veterans as well as national treasurer of the 2nd Marine Division Association.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and a master’s degree in history from New York University.
He met the love of his life, Ethel, at a Hadassah dance, and they were married in 1951.
Diet and exercise are often considered to be the secrets to a long life, but Arnold made it to 96 through a combination of caffeine-free Diet Coke, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and frequent naps. His secret to a long life was Ethel. She was his partner for 73 years of marriage, his caregiver and his constant source of reminders, assistance and support.
As newlyweds, they helped run the family’s candy store in Brooklyn. After returning to Texas, they owned a variety store near the TCU campus.
Arnold was a loving father to their two children, Laura and Lawrence.
Arnold and Ethel lost their daughter, Laura, 10 years ago after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Until the day Arnold died, his sorrow and love for her was a tangible part of who he was, something he carried with him all the time. He died on Laura’s 10th yahrzeit.
He treasured his relationship with Lawrence, staying closely connected through frequent phone calls and their shared love of their favorite sports teams.
Arnold loved cool weather, James Patterson books and reading the newspaper. Any restaurant or meal he liked was considered to be the best of all time. Arnold and Ethel enjoyed traveling; their refrigerator was covered with magnets from the many places around the world that they had visited.
He always greeted his loved ones with a big smile that would light up the room. He was a lifelong storyteller, sharing his memories of the candy store in Brooklyn, his childhood in Texas and New York, his time in the Navy and the misadventures he got into while traveling. His family will continue telling his stories.
Arnold is survived by his wife, Ethel Schectman; his son, Lawrence Schectman; his grandchildren, Jennifer and Benjamin Rice; his son-in-law, Joe Rice; and his sister, Sydelle Schectman. He was part of a large extended family that he loved very much. Alan and Keisha Rubin were not only his family members, but also cherished across-the-street neighbors who took care of Arnold and Ethel as if they were their own parents.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura.
A funeral service was held Sept. 13 at Ahavath Sholom Cemetery in Fort Worth with Rabbi Andrew Bloom officiating.
