Milton icon Leah Betts dies

Leah Betts, an eight-term Milton councilwoman and active member of the community, died Jan. 13 at the age of 91.

Born in Harbeson, Betts went to school in Georgetown before moving to Milton in 1949. She was elected to town council in 1989 and served until 2013. Besides that, she wore many hats around town: chief clerk at the Justice of the Peace courts, serving on the state’s Violent Crimes Compensation Board, vice mayor of Milton, state Democratic vice chairperson, Milton Chamber of Commerce member, Milton Century Club member and an honorary member of the Milton Garden Club. She is survived by her two sons, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Current Milton Mayor John Collier said, “Leah Betts was a unique person. When it came to the citizens of Milton, Leah was always willing to listen and eager to help. This quality was and always will be her greatest legacy."

Cliff Newlands, one of four mayors Betts served with – a list that includes Jack Bushey, Ruth Batten and Don Post – said, “Leah was a good friend who you could call on at any time. Being new to the public arena, Leah took me and others under her wing, and introduced us to the more senior officials in the county and state. She was a great help to me and the town. She will be sorely missed.”

When she retired from elected office in 2013, Betts herself said, “I've had a wonderful experience being a council person. I've tried to answer all phone calls, and I always tried to call them back. I might not have had the answer, but I did call them back.”

After retiring, Betts moved on to other interests, including working with the garden club.

Kathryn Greig, club treasurer and longtime member, said, “Leah was an honorary member of the Milton Garden Club, which means she wasn’t supposed to pay dues or do any work, but Leah always insisted on doing what she referred to as ‘her share.’” 

“She was a whiz at selling raffle tickets because she knew so many people and was so well respected by everyone. When I was the club president and she was a member of Milton Town Council, she was my go-to person for advice and guidance,” Greig said. “After her retirement, the club put a plaque on the little fence section at the corner of the clock garden in her honor. Just this past summer, we were walking by it and she said how much it meant to her. Watching her smile as she talked about that plaque made me so happy that we had done that to honor her and not waited to do it in her memory. She was an exceptional person and a very special friend.”

Former Milton Garden Club President Mary Ellen King said, “What can I say about our dear Leah except that she was the consummate beauty, who was always willing to help at a moment's notice.”

King said Betts would often bring food and drinks to the garden teams when they were planting flowers at the clock at Union and Magnolia streets or at the bridge on Union Street, as well as help with grant money. 

“My sister-in-law, Linda King, and I enjoyed our frequent visits with Leah at her lovely home on Magnolia Street. She loved to talk, but never had an unkind word about anyone.  And Leah was always dressed impeccably.  She had style, class and grace. But, most importantly, she had a big heart and cared about everyone.  For myself, I am eternally grateful for having known such an amazing woman. For Milton, she was a shining beacon whose inspirational light has gone out, but will never be forgotten,” King said.