Betty Jane Dieterle

Betty Jane (Mills) Dieterle, June 26, 1932 – Sept. 18, 2009 Betty Jane was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, the daughter of Collier Walter and Maggie Eubank Mills, June 26, 1932. Betty Jane resided in Lynchburg in her early years and graduated from Lynchburg College in 1952. During her college years, Betty Jane sang in the college touring choir, which presented concerts throughout the state of Florida. It was during those visits to Florida that Betty Jane fell in love with the Florida palm trees, the sunshine and the beautiful beaches. Therefore, after her graduation from college, and living in Roanoke, Virginia for three years, when the occasion arose, she came to Miami in 1955. It was on Miami Beach that Betty Jane met Hugo Lars Dieterle, a student at the University of Miami. Betty Jane and Hugo fell in love and were married in 1956 and have remained in Miami throughout their married life. Betty Jane worked as Director of Music and Education at the Central Christian Church of Coral Gables for eleven years before beginning her career with the Dade County Public Schools. She returned to school, receiving a Master's Degree from Appalachian State University and a Specialist Degree from the University of Miami. Betty Jane was a teacher at Dade Elementary School, a counselor at Rockaway Junior High School and Guidance Chairperson at W.R. Thomas Junior High School before moving into administration at Southwood Middle School, South Center for the Arts, where she remained for her last twelve years with the Dade County Public Schools. Upon her retirement in 1994, Betty Jane received numerous awards and accolades for her service to education. Having been instrumental in the development of the Fine Arts Magnet at Southwood, she was most proud of the naming of the Southwood theatre - the Betty Jane Dieterle Theatre - in her honor. Her entire life demonstrated her genuine love and concern for others - her family, her friends and her community. She served in the capacity of Vice-President and then President (2003-2004) of the University of Miami Women's Guild, Miami-Dade County Chapter. She was President of Omicron Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Sorority for two years, was a longtime member of the Patrons of the Museum of Science, was a member of the Coral Gables Music Club, the Opera Guild of Greater Miami, CR Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Spoonbills Club, Beach Colony Club, Coral Reef Yacht Club and Kendall United Methodist Church. Having been married for more than 50 years, Betty Jane and Hugo enjoyed their many family outings, extensive travel ventures to many parts of the world and numerous boating activities in their trawler, SeaStory. Betty Jane's family was her pride and joy. She enjoyed nothing more than their frequent "get- togethers" with her sons and their families celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. She will be remembered by all as a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She is survived by her husband, Hugo Dieterle; two sons, Quinton (Lisette Garcia) and William "Bill" Dieterle (Tammy Dieterle) and four grandchildren whom she adored - James, William, Bryan and Courtney Dieterle. A visitation was held on Tuesday, Sept. 22, with a service following at Stanfill Funeral Home. Her were scattered on the beautiful blue waters of Biscayne Bay which she loved so dearly. Stanfill Funeral Home 10545 S Dixie (305)667-2518 Family Owned/Operated www.stanfillfh.com.